Gjirokastra – Albania

Did you know that the preservation of the architectural heritage of Gjirokastra has been chosen as a best practice for the protection of cultural heritage?

In 2021, in the context of promoting best practices in the conservation and enhancement of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, the Gjirokastra Foundation was awarded the European Heritage Award / Europa Nostra Award in the category of Dedicated Service.

As the town faced many challenges in recent decades, the organization focused on preserving Gjirokastra’s cultural heritage by supporting the revitalization of its historic centre and introducing best European principles and practices for heritage conservation and development.

In particular, the Jury underlined that: “Thanks to the dedicated, 20-year commitment of the Gjirokastra Foundation to rescue their town from decay, this World Heritage City is being saved through the introduction of the best principles and models for conservation and heritage-based development…”

In addition to the conservation of monuments, a community-based approach was adopted through which the Gjirokastra Foundation contributed to the training of around 50 heritage professionals and practitioners - while adhering to the principles of gender equality - and actively revived local artisans and crafts through numerous events, fairs and training programs.

You can also watch a relevant video, here

Sources and photographs taken from: https://www.europeanheritageawards.eu/winners/gjirokastra-foundation/

Photographs: By Europa Nostra | Gjirokastra Foundation

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