The ownership problems in the “Cultural Monument” facilities in Gjirokastër are risking damage to the historical and construction values ​​of the stone city.

Due to this situation, some of the historical buildings and characteristic houses have lost their museum values. Cultural Heritage structures are currently intervening to restore some of the damaged dwellings, but the implementation of such projects becomes difficult in museum facilities that have ownership problems.

Ardis Duka, director of the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage, said that: “In the objects that are dangerous, there are big problems due to the ownership of these objects. In some of them we have found cooperation with the owners, residents and possessors of these objects proportionally, they have also placed part of the material. We have assisted in the technical and labor part. While in objects which are really problematic, which are objects of the first category, it is impossible to find the owners or to cooperate with some, since the problems of the inheritance of houses are also evident in our city”.

Currently, in 12 objects of Cultural Heritage in the cities of Gjirokastër and Përmet, the second phase is being implemented for their revival, but the cooperation of their owners remains a necessity.

“Not only because of the legal obligations but also because of the difficulties, because there cannot be 100 percent state investment, but also the part of the investment and the revitalization bonus given by the state, consist of the cooperation between the financial part that the owner decides and the financial part is decided by the state, so it is mandatory and very important to cooperate with the owners and highlight the problems of these facilities”, added Duka.

Thanks to the architectural and construction values ​​since 2005, Gjirokastër is part of the World Cultural Heritage List under the protection of UNESCO, turning into a favorite city for international tourism.