It also poses a major challenge to ensure a successful integration of the site into the urban fabric and local community of Durr쳬 says Europa Nostra organization
TIRANA, April 22 – The Roman amphitheatre of Durres, one of the biggest in the Balkan region, has been shortlisted by leading European heritage organisation Europa Nostra for the ‘The 7 Most Endangered’ programme. The announcement came on the eve of the International Day for Monuments and Sites on April 17 when an international advisory panel composed of eminent experts selected 14 monuments and sites as threatened landmarks among 40 nominations submitted by civil society organisations and public bodies from 21 countries. The final list will be announced at Europa Nostra’s 50th Anniversary Congress in Athens on 16 June. Rescue missions will be organised and preliminary action plans proposed until December by a team of heritage specialists together with technical and financial experts from the European Investment Bank Group, founding partner of this programme.
“With this new advocacy programme, Europa Nostra aims not only to identify the most endangered monuments and sites in Europe but also to launch a true call for action. By sending multidisciplinary teams of experts to visit the selected sites, together with our partners, we will seek to contribute to finding sustainable and viable solutions for the future. In this way, we hope to inspire and encourage action by various public and private organisations also in other places in Europe and beyond,” stated Denis de Kergorlay, Europa Nostra’s Executive President.
‘The 7 Most Endangered’ programme was launched last January, inspired by a successful programme run by the US National Trust for Historic Preservation. ‘However, it is not a funding programme. Its aim is to serve as a catalyst for action and to promote “the power of example”. It will bring various public and private parties together and identify possible sources of (European) funding.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has also expressed its concern over the lack of control for illegal constructions in both Gjirokastra and Berat and regrets that a long-term plan has not been established to rectify the violations that have already occurred in order to improve the value and integrity of the property.
However, Albanian culture officials say the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Gjirokastra and Berat are not endangered despite the numerous challenges they face after a report by the International Council on Monuments and Sites, ICOMOS, described them as endangered by illegal constructions and at risk of being included on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
Roman Amphitheatre in Durr쳍
“The discovery of this magnificent early 2nd century amphitheatre, which remained unknown to the world until the 1960’s, put the ancient city of Durr쳠back on the map of historic sites in Europe. It also poses a major challenge to ensure a successful integration of the site into the urban fabric and local community of Durr쳬” says Europa Nostra.
Italian and Albanian archeologists resumed work this week to conduct research, certificate and maintain the southern part of the Roman ancient amphitheatre of Durres where excavation carried out in recent years has unveiled important findings of the amphitheatre’s post-ancient stages and structures of the big Roman monument.
Albanian culture officials have been lobbying to secure funds that would revitalize the Roman amphitheatre of Durres, the biggest in the Balkans, turning it into a site where different cultural events could be attended by up to 1,500 people. According to a decision by the National Council of Archaeology, the ancient Roman amphitheatre in Durres and the newly excavated remains of the Castle of Tirana will be restored and turned into museum centers. Under the project, the Durres amphitheatre which dates back to the 2nd century, will have its museum part restored and visitor areas extended. It will also be made available to the public as a venue for events. The project foresees further excavations and demolition of illegal buildings around the amphitheatre.
Archaeologists have discovered some of the country’s most beautiful mosaics in the ancient city of Durres and its suburbs. Apart from the “Durres Beauty” mosaic which is on display at the National Historical Museum in Tirana, Durres is also known for its mosaic at the ancient Roman amphitheatre, the Arapaj Basilica and several others which are being preserved pending to be displayed.
