Albania has launched a program to revive traditional stone towers in the north. The initiative covers four counties and 14 municipalities. It links heritage, tourism, and sustainable development.

Accordingly, Tourism, Culture, and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said his ministry has adopted a new approach. It treats the towers not only as cultural monuments. It also turns them into functional and living spaces. These spaces integrate into local tourism, culture, and the economy.

Specifically, the program operates in Dibër, Kukës, Shkodër, and Lezhë. It aims to convert towers into guesthouses, cultural centers, local museums, and education points. As a result, they will become part of tourist routes offering authentic experiences to domestic and international visitors.

Moreover, Gonxhja said the intervention protects heritage and strengthens local identity. At the same time, it creates new opportunities for sustainable development in local communities.

To support this effort, the ministry prepared an information questionnaire. It collects data on the current condition, history, and potential of traditional towers. Consequently, authorities will use the data for analysis and informed decision-making.

“The collected data will guide analysis and decisions during implementation,” Gonxhja said.

In a broader context, the “Revitalization of Towers” program fits into a wider strategy. The strategy develops cultural routes and mountain tourism. Therefore, it will connect northern areas through history, art, and unspoiled nature. The goal is a year-round, sustainable tourism network.

Meanwhile, the first phase began last year and will continue through 2026. It focuses on identifying towers in Lezhë, Shkodër, Dibër, and Kukës. In parallel, authorities will design standard projects for each county and develop a full revitalization program. This phase seeks to involve more public actors and donors.

Next, the second phase will run from 2026 to 2028. It will restore and revitalize the towers. Then, it will link them with tour operators, include them in itineraries, and develop additional tourism products around the sites.

/a.c/