Albania announces new archaeological sites and heritage restoration plans

Albanian Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, has announced significant developments regarding the nation's cultural heritage. Recent seven-month data from the National Institute of Cultural Heritage (IKTK) shows increased investment and activity in the protection, documentation, and study of cultural assets. Notably, 19 new archaeological sites have been discovered across Albania, including renewed excavations in Lushnjë, Zgjana, and Murrizë–Peqin.

Additionally, the state will intervene to rescue and restore residential buildings designated as ‘Cultural Monuments’ that are at risk of degradation due to neglect or ownership issues. This initiative will begin in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Gjirokastra, where approximately 90 out of 390 monument houses are currently considered at risk. Technical and administrative work has commenced, with restoration projects expected to begin early next year.