Advancing Cultural Preservation in Gjirokaster

TIRANA, July 13 – U.S Ambassador to Albania Alexander Arvizu visited Gjirokaster last weekend to mark the completion of renovations undertaken with the support of the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation in the castle of Gjirokaster.
The Gjirokaster Conservation and Development Organization (GCDO) was awarded a $47,500 grant from the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation, and the money was used to renovate the # 3 gallery in the castle of Gjirokaster in order to turn it into a museum and art gallery, the embassy says. Since its creation by the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation has provided financial support to more than 700 cultural preservation projects in more than 100 countries. This accomplishment represents a contribution of nearly $33 million towards the preservation of cultural heritage worldwide. More importantly, it shows the depth of our nation’s respect for the cultural heritage of other countries. Albania has received eight AFCP awards since the program started in 2001.
Back in 2010, the Tirana’s Clock Tower, a symbol of the capital and one of its oldest buildings, was restored under a special USD 30,000 fund awarded by former U.S Ambassador to Albania, John Withers.
The 19-century Clock Tower had its clock mechanism and bell repaired.
Built in 1822, the 35-metre Clock Tower has 90 spiral steps and was the tallest building in the capital until 1970. The Tower is located in the heart of the capital next to the Et’hem Beu Mosque. Its clock had been replaced several times most recently in 1970 with a Chinese one. The Clock Tower has been open to tourists since 1996.