In Korçë, interest in restoring houses over 100 years old has increased significantly in recent years. Many of these homes are being transformed into guesthouses for both domestic and foreign tourists, while others continue to be used as family residences. During restoration, owners take care to preserve original construction elements such as gates, doors, and wooden windows.
Engjëll Bregu, a woodwork restoration specialist, says that in recent years there has been a growing demand for restoring traditional elements.
“For the exterior appearance, they want to keep it as it was in the early years—to preserve it as it used to be. Even when they add new parts, they retain old elements. The gate, for example, should be 100 years old to maintain the original features. In recent years, these works are being carried out in Albania. People want to preserve the old,” says Engjëll Bregu.
He adds that these restorations take time and often reveal elements of foreign origin in the construction.
“There are always surprises—it depends on what you find. Parts of the frames remain as they are; the frame is kept as an original element. I don’t believe they are Albanian; they were likely brought from Thessaloniki or Italy. There are Persian-style shutters. From the way they are made, it seems they come from Italy or Greece. It takes about 20 days to complete; you are forced to remake parts if they are damaged. It’s a special technique, in the Korça style,” he explains.
In recent years alone, more than 150 construction permits have been issued in the city of Korça for the restoration of old houses, preserving original architectural elements and contributing to the development of cultural tourism.
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