Arbëresh Museum to open in Vuno, honoring centuries of Albanian heritage
A new cultural landmark is set to open in the historic village of Vuno, Himarë: the Arbëresh Museum, dedicated to the Albanian communities of Italy who have preserved their language and traditions for over five centuries. The museum will be housed in the former 8-year school, a symbolic location, as many Arbëresh families trace their roots to this region, having emigrated in the 17th century.
Why is this important: The museum will promote cultural tourism beyond the summer season, provide educational opportunities, and encourage community participation, fostering a deeper connection to Albanian identity for both locals and the wider diaspora.
Minister of Economy, Culture, and Innovation Blendi Gonxhja, during a visit to the site, described the museum as a space that will bring the Arbëresh legacy to life through exhibitions and cultural dialogue. “This museum will not be just a building, but a living bridge where the stories of our ancestors come to life,” he said.
The project also includes restoration work on nearby landmarks, such as the churches of Saint Spyridon and Saint Michael, aiming to revitalize Vuno’s historic center and establish it as a vibrant cultural hub that blends spiritual heritage with modern museology.
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