Intense rainfall over recent days affecting the Gjirokastër area has caused problems for buildings designated as “Cultural Monuments.” In the city’s historic area and surrounding neighborhoods, bad weather has led to damage to architectural and construction values in several stone buildings.

“In the historic center of Gjirokastër, inspections have been carried out on monuments that are now at risk of collapse. We have recorded some wall collapses and various roof damages, but no buildings have completely collapsed. Measures have been taken to notify residents living in or around these monuments so they can take precautions to avoid personal harm,” said Ardis Duka, Director of the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage (DRTK) Gjirokastër.

Monument specialists warn that a major concern during the winter season is abandoned museum buildings, some of which are deteriorating due to unresolved ownership issues.

“In the city of Gjirokastër there are 392 ‘Cultural Monument’ buildings of Category I and II. Not all of them are in good condition or have clear ownership, and this is a very serious problem because there are abandoned buildings that have not been maintained by their owners for a long time. This poses a risk not only to the monuments themselves but also to the city and its residents,” Duka added.

Thanks to its historical and architectural values, since 2005 the city of Gjirokastër has been part of the World Cultural Heritage protected by UNESCO.