Minister Gonxhja Announces New Mechanism to Protect Cultural Heritage Monument Homes, Implementation Begins in Gjirokastër

In situations where owners or heirs have neglected to make the required interventions, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sports has started putting into practice a new mechanism that allows the state to step in and protect homes designated as cultural heritage monuments that are in danger of deteriorating or collapsing. About 90 of the 390 monument residences in Gjirokastër have been identified as having various issues, and this is where the process is beginning.
The first concrete interventions and the inauguration of rehabilitation sites are anticipated to start early next year, according to Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sports Blendi Gonxhja, who also stated that administrative and technical work has started.
“No residential structure classified as a cultural heritage monument will be allowed to deteriorate. The minister stated, “These assets are universal, collective assets that belong to society as a whole and represent our tradition, historic architecture, and cultural heritage. They are not just personal, individual, or family property.”
The project, which treats the preservation of cultural heritage as a matter of public interest, will be funded annually by the budget and will work to maintain the authenticity, architectural values, and historical memory of residences that are cultural heritage monuments. A formula based on the monument’s status, the type of work, and the expected cost will be used to finance interventions. This formula will determine the portion linked to protecting the monument’s cultural value as well as the owner’s or holder’s financial commitment.
While projects are developed in compliance with restoration standards and manuals and go through the necessary approval procedures, each case will be recorded and evaluated by the appropriate authorities. The procedure will be observed and managed by the National Institute of Cultural Heritage and the Regional Directorates of Cultural Heritage.
Beyond its architectural and anthropological significance, Minister Gonxhja stressed that these houses are proof of tradition and offer substantial tourism and economic possibilities for the nation.