The Castle of Bashtova reopens as a vibrant cultural landmark with modern visitor facilities and innovative elements

Once a witness to centuries of trade and exchange, Bashtova Castle has reopened as a vibrant cultural landmark thanks to the European Union-funded EU4Culture programme, implemented by UNOPS in partnership with the Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation (MEKI).

Severely damaged by the 2019 earthquake, the 15th-century castle stood as a fragile reminder of Albania’s past and today it is carefully restored, revitalized, and reimagined as a space where history, culture, and community come together.

The inauguration event was attended by H.E. Silvio Gonzato, EU Ambassador to Albania; Mr. Blendi Gonxhja, Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation; and Ms. Sabine Kania, UNOPS Country Manager for Albania and Kosovo, alongside ambassadors, distinguished guests, families, and community members. The day blended heritage with creativity featuring children’s painting sessions and an exhibition of their artworks, a fair of artisans and local producers showcasing their products, and guided tours of the castle enriched with augmented reality.

The celebrations culminated in a jazz concert by the renowned artists Rona Nishliu and Gent Rrushi, followed by a lively international DJ performance by Rossa, transforming the restored castle into a stage for contemporary art.

The EU4Culture intervention at the castle of Bashtova included repairing the damage caused by the while also giving new life to this important cultural site. Its walls and towers were strengthened, safe access for visitors was introduced, and new spaces for learning and discovery were created. Archaeological work carried out during the project also uncovered exciting details about the castle’s history, including evidence of its role of protecting the grain trade through centuries and serving as a maritime gateway to the river channels leading to the sea. These findings added a new dimension to Bashtova’s story and now help connect the monument more deeply with Albania’s cultural identity. To enrich the visitor experience, the intervention also introduced augmented reality features including an app allowing guests to explore the castle through digital storytelling.

Bashtova Castle, a Cultural Monument of the First Category since 1948 and a candidate for the UNESCO World Heritage List, is one of 23 heritage sites being restored through EU4Culture , a €40 million programme funded by the European Union and implemented by UNOPS in partnership with MEKI. The programme aims to safeguard Albania’s cultural heritage damaged by the 2019 earthquake while also boosting tourism, supporting artisans and local businesses, and creating new opportunities for communities.

During the ceremony, H.E. Silvio Gonzato, EU Ambassador to Albania, said:
“With the restoration of the castle, we want to pay tribute to Albania’s rich cultural heritage, but also create opportunities for sustainable tourism. Through the EU4Culture programme, we are not only restoring buildings but also creating opportunities for artists, craftsmen, and community engagement. We want to create spaces to discuss, to connect, and to open up. How wonderful that a castle, once built for defence and isolation, is becoming a space for engagement, encounter, and cultural discovery. We need fewer walls and more of these spaces for our communities”

Representing the Government of Albania, Mr Blendi Gonxhja, Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation, expressed:
“The Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation, in its strategy, envisions the revitalization of castles as part of a comprehensive process of sustainable management. This process does not stop at the physical restoration of monuments but also includes planning their use as cultural, educational, and touristic centers. With this vision, our castles will no longer be merely museum objects, but dynamic spaces where activities take place, where national identity is strengthened, and where concrete opportunities for employment and local development are created. Bashtova Castle, with its space of several thousand square meters, is destined 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.”

In addition, Ms Sabine Kania, UNOPS Country Manager in Albania, stated:
“I would like to extend my gratitude to the European Union and the Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation; the experts, and the dedicated teams who have contributed with so much hard work and passion to this beautiful project. Bashtova Castle can now generate an income for its upkeep, and visitors can enjoy the storytelling in augmented reality, for the first time done in this way in Albania. The restored castle is coming into the present and the future, as a place to learn, to celebrate, and to build connections.”