Protecting traditional buildings

The traditional villages and buildings in the southern coast of Albania have characteristics that make them unique and worthy of protection. This is the result of the “Guidelines for the conservation of traditional buildings in the Himara region”, the guide developed within the framework of the integrated sustainable development program for the southern coast, implemented by GIZ Albania. Fourteen are the villages of the municipality of Himara identified as an area of ​​interest within the guide: Palasë, Dhërmi, Ilias, Vuno, Himarë Fshat, Pilur, Kudhës, Qeparo village, Borsh, Piqeras, Sasaj, Lukovë, Shën Vasil and Nivica.

The guidelines are intended not only to explain the context and characteristics of these villages, but also to provide advice and guidance to all those involved in the development and renovation of the buildings.

The publication received the honorable mention, in the Urban Design session during the INTBAU World Congress 2018, the biennial forum that brings together global perspectives and knowledge for the discussion and debate on urgent issues and difficulties that arise in the environment built in all the communities around the world.

The jury members expressed the belief that “the impact that the guide could have in preserving the traditional heritage and the development of rural settlements in the South-Albanian Riviera has made the guide worthy of this evaluation”.