Albania is preparing to restore and revitalize its traditional northern towers. The government plans to start concrete investments by 2027.
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the plan. He said the ministry is finalizing the national program with GIS and the State Cadastre Agency (ASHK).
“Our goal is to move from assessment and design to concrete restoration and revitalization investments by 2027,” Gonxhja said.
Meanwhile, authorities are working to clarify ownership rights. This process will help the government select towers for restoration and funding.
Officials have reviewed 697 cases in Dibër, Shkodër, Lezhë and Kukës. So far, 180 cases have received a decision or an ownership certificate. Another 50 cases had already received certification.
In addition, 73 cases still need documents. Another 175 cases have not yet received an application. Authorities are also processing six cases through the public-notice stage.
At the same time, experts have started preparing restoration plans. The Faculty of Architecture at the Polytechnic University of Tirana has developed 28 conceptual projects.
These projects will guide future restoration work.
Next, the government will select the priority towers. The list will include 64 towers that hold cultural monument status. It will also include towers at risk and those with completed or nearly completed ownership procedures.
The government plans to provide direct budget funding for these sites. The funds will support full restoration and revitalization.
However, the program will not stop at restoration. Authorities also want to give the towers new uses.
The towers could become guesthouses, agritourism sites, museums or hospitality centers. This approach could also attract more visitors and create new economic activity.
As a result, the program will connect heritage protection with tourism and local development. It will also help turn northern Albania’s traditional towers into new cultural and economic destinations.
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