CALL FOR APPLICATION: This is a call open to artists, creators, architects, makers and designers and alike both national and international, to take part in the ARTECH Creative camp, from the 20-27 June 2021 in the historic center of Gjirokastra in Albania. This camp is organized in the frame and spirit of the ARTECH project […]
“Sofra e Anéve”, (Grandma’s cooking) idea of Gjirokastra Foundation is one of the winners of Green Idea 2017 Competition. This idea aims to develop culinary tourism tours in the city of Gjirokastra, relying on the rich tradition of “home cooking” and use of home garden products. The idea aims as well to promote the local […]
The Artisan Program – In 2007, an Artisan Center was created to provide the facilities to organize a series of trainings for the crafts and artisans (wood and stone carving, tailoring, embroidery, textile) which have had a great impact in the invigoration of the artisan production in Gjirokastra. Nowadays, an Association of the Artisan Women […]
Publications : The foundation is the main organization publishing various books and articles, both for scientific and touristic use, in relation with the attractions, historic places and UNESCO sites in the surrounding areas of Albania. The publications included: Four Historic Cities in the Western Balkans – Values and Challenges (2012) publication dedicated to heritage and […]
Restoration of Hamam and Revitalization Seven Fountains of Gjirokastra: This project has transformed an ex town rubbish dump into a small park, restoring the Seven Fountains and Haman within it. The work was undertaken by the local office of the Institute of Monuments and was supervised by Richard Andrews, a senior architect-restorer from the UK. […]
Restoration and Revitalization of Zekate House (2004-2005): In May 2004 a full study and recording of the architectural and distinctive features of the Zekate House was undertaken by Richard Andrews, through the Butrint Foundation. Professor Emin Riza (Institute of Monuments, Tirana), Albania’s greatest authority on the houses of Gjirokastra, subsequently designed a project for the […]
The promotion of the Albanian Iso-Polyphony project: Obelisku Iso-Polyphonic group project (2010) aimed at reconnecting the youth with the heritage and in particular with ancient polyphonic singing. Albanian Iso-Polyphony Singing has been recognized as an Intangible World Heritage by UNESCO in 2005. The ancient tradition of Iso-polyphonic singing is deeply intertwined with Albanian national identity, […]
The Revitalization projects of the Bazaar of Gjirokastra (2007) – The revitalization of the traditional Bazaar started with the restoration of some buildings in the Bazaar, by showcasing artisan skills of heritage value at the annual National Culture Heritage and Artisan Fair in Gjirokastra. Currently there are arts and crafts shops in the Bazaar that […]
Antigonea Hiking Paths, (2009) – This project created a series of hiking trails from a network of existing shepherd paths. These trails were designed to highlight the natural and historic significance, and beauty of the area surrounding Gjirokastra and Antigonea Park. It is hoped that such use of natural space can motivate the protection and […]
The revitalization of the Gjirokastra Castle (2008-2012) – The project encompasses a number of components aimed at restoring and revitalizing the Castle and its grounds and developing sustainable use for the site. Some of the project components were: photogrammetric survey of the Castle; clean-up and de-vegetation of the courtyards and fortified walls; water-proofing of the […]
