In the city of Pogradec, work is underway on the implementation of the project for the revival of Pogradec Castle, a settlement that dates back to the 5th-4th century BC.

Ledjan Zeqollari, director of Tourism, Cultural Heritage, and Youth in the municipality of Pogradec, stated that, within the North Macedonia-Albania cross-border IPA project, the municipality of Pogradec, in partnership with the municipality of Struga, is implementing the project “Struga and Pogradec for the Promotion of Tourism and Cultural Heritage – Coolture.” This project aims to revitalize the walls of the city’s fortress, drawing attention to cultural heritage.

In addition to the existing old walls, another attractive feature will be the panoramic balcony that will be added to the castle.

The works include archaeological excavations to uncover the castle walls and archaeological objects, the construction of an archaeological museum, a panoramic balcony for visitors, the lighting of the entire area, and the improvement of road infrastructure for accessing this site.

“With the completion of the works, another year-round tourist attraction is added to Pogradec,”highlighted the Minister of State for Local Government, who also shared photos from the work on the castle as well as computer images showing the final project.

The project aims to conduct archaeological excavations to uncover the castle and then conserve the discoveries to make them accessible to both locals and foreigners. The European Union has financed the project, while the municipality of Pogradec will pave the road.

The castle was abandoned around the 9th century, and it is expected that this intervention will highlight the existing walls in time for the start of the summer tourist season. This cross-border investment, together with Struga, includes a number of other projects, including the rehabilitation of a museum in Struga, worth about 30 thousand euros.

The castle is one of the most important historical sites not only for Pogradec but for the entire Albanian territory. It was a genuine Illyrian civic center, serving as a small but very important administrative and military center.

/m.ll/