Margariti: The Venetian tower has gained even more value thanks to technology

The Venetian tower in Durrës has been transformed into an information center about history. This is reported by the Minister of Culture Elva Margariti, who says that thanks to the "EU4Culture" program, the Venetian Tower in Durrës was restored. "The Venetian Tower, a treasure that has not only come to light, but has gained even more value thanks to technology. Together with the Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, we inaugurated the restoration and revitalization works in the Venetian Tower in Durrës, thanks to the "EU4Culture" program, implemented by UNOPS, and we enjoyed a surprising performance, which is already tangible for visitors. Now this cultural monument has been transformed into an information center about the history of the city. Albanian and foreign visitors, and above all young people, have a lot to learn". Margariti writes on social networks that he has also shared some photos from the Venetian tower. The Venetian tower is part of the Durrës fortress, which in the Middle Ages was considered one of the most powerful fortresses on the western coast of the Adriatic. In the first half of the 15th century, when Durrës was under the occupation of Venice, the tower was rebuilt and got its present appearance. Durrës Castle was built by the emperor of the Byzantine Empire Anastasi I. At that time, he made Durrës one of the most fortified cities in the Adriatic. Repairs to the walls have been carried out since the devastating earthquake of 1273. The medieval walls are currently about 4.6 meters in height and the three entrances of some of the fortification towers have been preserved to almost a third of the original length of the castle town. The castle was reinforced with several watchtowers from the Republic of Venice and during the occupation of Albania by the Ottoman Empire the walls were reinforced. Durrës Castle has been declared a cultural monument since 1948.