Durres Amphitheatre, Tirana Castle to Be Restored

TIRANA, March 16 – The ancient Roman amphitheatre in Durres and the newly excavated remains of the Castle of Tirana will be restored and turned into museum centers. The decision was taken on Tuesday by the National Council of Archeology.
Under the project designed by the “Frasheri” studio, 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.
Speaking of the Tirana castle, which was accidentally discovered two years ago during the reconstruction of a road in the city centre, Gjergj Frasheri, the representative of the studio who has designed the restoration project said “We aim at turning the Tirana castle into a useful museum centre and not only a centre open to visitors.”
The project will make possible restoration work in the surrounding walls of the castle and further archeological excavation works.
The discovery of the walls of Tirana castle two years ago during reconstruction work for Tirana’s small ring road, led to a decision making the Murat Toptani street a pedestrian one.
Meanwhile, Culture and Tourism Minister Ferdinand Xhaferri described the two projects in accordance with the ministry’s policy of cultural heritage serving the promotion of cultural tourism.