Elbasan Fortress revitalization project launched in partnership with AADF

Prime Minister Edi Rama and Minister of Economy, Culture, and Innovation Blendi Gonxhja signed a landmark agreement with the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF) to revitalize Elbasan’s historic fortress. The project aims to transform the neglected site into a vibrant hub for cultural heritage and tourism.

Why is this important: Elbasan Fortress, a symbol of the city’s rich history, has long suffered from neglect. The revitalization project, spearheaded by AADF in partnership with the Albanian government, aims to replicate the success seen in other cities like Tirana, Korça, Vlora, Pogradec, Berat and Kruja. These initiatives have not only restored historical landmarks but have also boosted local economies by fostering tourism and creating sustainable management models.

Context: Prime Minister Rama highlighted the transformative potential of the project, drawing comparisons to Berat’s thriving tourism sector, which now attracts 800,000 visitors annually. In contrast, Elbasan receives only about 20,000 visitors a year, with just 4,000 specifically visiting the fortress.

“This gap is one we can and must reverse. The fortress has extraordinary potential, with its unique blend of religious and historical elements,” said Rama. He noted that the project could exponentially increase property values within the fortress area while positioning Elbasan as a key destination for cultural tourism. “This is about more than restoring a monument; it’s about making Elbasan a key player in Albania’s cultural and economic future,” Rama concluded.

What’s included: Minister Gonxhja outlined several complementary projects under the revitalization initiative. These include:

• Restoration of the Old Hammam
• Preservation of the Orthodox Church of St. Mary
• Enhancements to the Paleochristian Basilica
• Restoration of Kristoforidhi’s House and the Clock Tower
• Upgrades to the Ethnographic Museum

The project will also implement special zoning management plans for the fortress area, ensuring proper conservation and sustainable development.

AADF involvement: Martin Mata, Co-Executive Director of AADF, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to revitalizing Albania’s cultural heritage. Mata credited the success of these initiatives to their sustainable development and management models, which have helped establish partnerships with over 1,000 businesses and attracted 20 million visitors to revitalized sites.

“These efforts show how local communities can organize and create lasting value through collaborative management,” said Mata. He underscored the importance of working closely with local governments to ensure the projects’ long-term success.

Next steps: The revitalization of Elbasan Fortress will include significant investments in infrastructure and tourism-related facilities. Rama called on stakeholders to ensure that the project meets the high standards of similar AADF initiatives, which have transformed destinations into competitive tourism hotspots.