Gjirokastra Albania

Gjirokastra is faced with a crisis of massive proportions: the continuing collapse of the town’s historic Ottoman-era tower houses. Loss of these massive buildings is reducing the town’s ability to build a sustainable economy based on heritage tourism – its only readily available resource.
Concerned citizens have been working together to save their cultural heritage and need the assistance of preservationists and travelers from around the world. You can be part of this effort by joining AiP in the next stage of conservation work at the Skenduli house – discovering and documenting decorative painting believed to be hidden throughout the large stone tower house.
Project
The Skenduli house is a magnificent example of the marriage of Albanian and Ottoman architecture. In 1993, the Communist government returned the house to the one remaining Skenduli family member living in Gjirokastra. Nesip Skenduli has devoted himself to preserving the massive house. In 2013, a team of twenty Albanian architecture students, working with Cultural Heritage without Borders, completed restoration of the exterior lime plaster and of the main entrance gate which had partially collapsed.
The next step is to search for the decorative painting that is rumored to be on both interior and exterior surfaces, buried under coats of whitewash and paint. Jennifer O’Connell, an Australian art conservator, and Stroria Ambiente Monumento (SAM) of Calabria, Italy are joining forces and donating their time and expertise to teach and lead AiP jammers in locating and documenting the painting. A conservation specialist from Albania’s Institute of Monuments will join them in teaching cutting-edge and traditional techniques in decorative painting conservation.
You will learn how to use 3D laser scanning to produce high quality photographs that detail the wall surface. From these images, reproductions can be made that mimic the brush strokes, making it visible on a flat surface. Training will also involve other methods of identifying underlying painted surfaces if laser technology is not available. This documentation will prepare the way for subsequent restoration of the decorative painting.
Your involvement is vital! Start planning your preservation vacation now; since  Lonely Planet ranked Albania first in their Best in Travel 2011, Albania has consistently topped lists of the best countries to see in Europe, so don’t miss out. Or join the effort by making a contribution, and we’ll keep you informed with updates.
If you have a special construction skill, such as plastering or carpentry, please let us know. We are also interested to hear if you have experience in photography, sketching or video work. Experience is not required, however. All volunteers are welcome.
How You Will Help the Community
Albania is one of Europe’s poorest countries, but also one of its hottest tourist destinations. Gjirokastra and the rest of the country stand to benefit hugely from tourism, but real, long-term benefits depend on preservation efforts and responsible development.
Join this adventure in preservation and:

• Participate in the growing preservation movement to save Albania’s architectural heritage and help create the jobs required for its maintenance and preservation
• Give visitors touring the Skenduli house the opportunity to see and understand the type of work required to save these historic treasures
• Spread the word about Gjirokastra as an amazing tourism destination, and support the development of a sustainable economy.
• Support training of local youth in traditional trades.

Why This Could Be The Greatest Adventure of Your Life

• Explore and restore the intricate architectural detailing of the museum-quality Skenduli house
• Glimpse hundreds of years of the city’s history as you wander the steep cobblestone streets and twisted paths of old town Gjirokastra
• Visualize the life of the favored under Ottoman rule as you peek through beautifully carved doorways and creep up hidden staircases
• Play a starring role in preserving a World Heritage site!

As with all our adventures, you’ll take the skills you learn on this volunteer vacation home with you. They’re yours to use in restoring your own house, in your preservation career, or in volunteer restoration projects in your own community. You’ll keep your new friendships for a lifetime too!
Lodging
We will stay at the Kotoni Bed & Breakfast, which sits above the old city bazaar and provides a striking view of the city.
Meals
Most of our meals will be at Kujtim’s, a family-owned restaurant where Kujtim and Sylvana’s magic hands turn fresh local produce, fish and meat into fabulous feasts.
Excursions
Excursions, along with the hands-on work, will foster a deep appreciation for this beautiful country and its history. We will explore historic sites in and near Gjirokastra, such as the citadel above that gives the city its name. We will also take a day-long trip to sites further afield, including Butrint National Park, which boasts some of the greatest classical ruins in the Mediterranean and is also a World Heritage site.

Travel Details
This adventure begins and ends in Tirana; from there we will travel to Gjirokastra, located in southern Albania near the border with Greece, approximately a six-hour drive. If flying to Albania, plan to arrive at Tirana International Airport on Saturday.
Residents of most countries will need only a valid passport to enter Albania, though citizens of some countries are required to have entry visas. Be sure to check the visa requirements for your country of origin.