Archaeologists uncovered the ancient river port of Bashtova Fortress in Rrogozhinë. It once connected the fortress to the river and the sea. Goods and people moved between the fortress, nearby ports, and trade routes.

The discovery is part of a one-year restoration project funded by the EU for Culture program. Excavations and studies revealed new details about the 15th-century fortress, which spans 5,400 m².

“Our team found the original floor, 1.7 meters below today’s level,” says Lejla Hadzic, Cultural Heritage Adviser at UNOPS Albania. “The river once flowed closer. Bashtova likely served as a fortified trade post.”

The fortress once controlled 646,000 m². Merchants traded grain, textiles, and other goods. Venetians built the fortress. The Ottomans later expanded it. The site also linked to the Via Egnatia trade route.

Excavations led by Professors Lorenc Bejko and Iris Pojani revealed a circular tower with five floors, fire damage, and stone and iron cannonballs. The findings confirm its defensive role.

Specialists from the University of Applied Arts Vienna tested mortar, brick, and stone. They dated the main fortress to 1467–1478. Later sections likely date to the 18th century.

The conservation team stabilized the walls and added walkways and safety rails. They introduced augmented reality (AR) with 12 interactive points. Six points target children with a treasure hunt.

“This is the first AR use at the fortress,” says Hadzic. “Visitors can scan points and see the past appear virtually.”

The discoveries support Albania’s proposal to add Bashtova Fortress to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The EU for Culture program funds the project with 40 million euros. UNOPS and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sports implement it.

/a.c/