TIRANA, Aug 29 /ATA/Minister of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, Blendi Gonxhja, attended today’s reopening ceremony of the Bashtova Castle to the public, following its restoration.
Gonxhja described the occasion as a special and symbolic day for Albania’s cultural heritage.
“We are gathered to inaugurate Bashtova Castle, one of the most treasured monuments of our history, which today begins a new chapter. It is no longer just a stone-carved testimony of the past, but is transformed into a vibrant space for culture, art, tourism, and the sustainable development of the community,” Gonxhja said in his remarks.
“Built in the 15th century, this castle represents a strategic point connecting Albania to the Mediterranean. It once served as a key Venetian gateway for trade and was part of a broader intercultural network linking East and West. Today, thanks to the support of the European Union and the EU4Culture program implemented by UNOPS, it stands before us carefully restored—reminding us that history is not only to be remembered, but to be revitalized and made part of our future,” stated the minister.
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For the first time, added Gonxhja, “Bashtova Castle has not only been restored to its historical identity, but has also been equipped with a modern visitor center that offers information, contemporary services, and facilities for cultural, educational, and tourism-related activities. The visitor center is designed as a welcoming space that opens its doors to every local and international guest, turning a visit to Bashtova into a complete experience.”
Gonxhja highlighted that the revitalization of Albania’s castles represents a strategic approach beyond a mere restoration. Each restored fortress serves as a driver of economic and social progress in its region—opening up job opportunities for youth, boosting cultural and eco-tourism, and breathing new energy into traditional cuisine, artisanal crafts, and local hospitality. These investments, he noted, act as sustainable engines of growth, reinvigorating communities and generating new sources of income.
“This year alone,” he stated, “the number of tourists visiting castles has increased by 95% compared to 2024, while tourism at cultural heritage sites has grown by 64%.”
“International examples show that revitalizing heritage is an investment with wide-ranging benefits: the castles of Dalmatia in Croatia, those in Puglia, Italy, and in neighboring Greece have become major attractions visited annually by millions of tourists. Albania, too, should be part of this map—by creating an itinerary of Albanian castles as one of the most beautiful cultural routes in the Balkans,” said Gonxhja.
Gonxhja emphasized that “Bashtova Castle, with its vast area spanning thousands of square meters, is set to become a multifunctional center: it will host concerts, festivals, exhibitions, theatrical performances, educational activities for children and youth, as well as international thematic events.”
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