“Courtyards that Speak”, Himara opens doors to memory and cultural heritage

TIRANA, May 21 – The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, said the project “Courtyards that Speak”, supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports and Himara municipality, aims to open the courtyards of five traditional stone houses in the coastal town of Himara. It presents them as spaces of cultural heritage and memory.

In addition, Gonxhja said the project does not focus only on traditional architecture. He said it also focuses on preserving family stories and traditions passed down through generations. At the same time, he said the courtyards preserve narratives, traditions, songs, handicrafts, and ways of life passed from generation to generation. These traditions are often maintained by women in the community.

Meanwhile, he highlighted the Stone House in Himara Castle, belonging to the Bollano family, as one of the most special stops on the cultural itinerary. The house is a traditional stone dwelling built around 1844 and preserved through four generations. The small courtyard contains aromatic plants such as rosemary and laurel. It creates a quiet atmosphere of family hospitality.

Further, the minister said visitors can experience tastings of local products such as bukfiku, gliko, and mountain tea. He said these are accompanied by stories from everyday life in the area. At the same time, he described it as a rare stop for cultural and historical tourism in the heart of Himara. He said it has strong potential to promote cultural heritage and develop sustainable tourism in southern Albania.

/a.p./

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