Project Mission

The Cultour Mirdita initiative is a cultural and tourism development project dedicated to promoting and revitalizing the rich heritage of the Mirdita region, drawing attention to its natural beauty, deep-rooted traditions, historical and intangible cultural treasures—all of which deserve sustainable preservation rather than neglect .

By introducing experiential and creative tourism, the project simplifies and opens the door to exploring Mirdita through three distinct thematic itineraries—each designed to offer visitors a meaningful and immersive gateway into the region’s vibrant cultural and touristic offerings .

Key Project Components

1. Mapping Cultural Heritage Elements

The project created a comprehensive database of all culturally significant sites in Mirdita—including monuments, artisanal practitioners, and other points of interest. This foundational work sets the stage for broader heritage recognition and promotion .

2. Drafting Guidelines for Public Policies

A policy paper was crafted to offer strategic recommendations for the sustainable development of cultural tourism in Mirdita, directly supporting the region’s tourism growth.

3. Creating Three Thematic Itineraries

Three carefully crafted experiential tourism routes were developed to highlight Mirdita’s richness, spanning heritage, nature, cultural practices, and immersive experiences.

Thematic Itineraries

  • Heritage & Culture
  • Cultural & Adventure
  • Memory & Remembrance 

These itineraries guide visitors through Mirdita’s historic landmarks, traditional crafts, natural landscapes, and communal memories .

Notable Project Activities

  • Train-the-Trainer Workshops (September 2023)
    A two-day training for 15 artisans to enhance their capacities to preserve and transmit Mirdita’s cultural heritage.
  • Digital Marketing & Branding Workshops (October 2023)
    Artisans received training on using social media, branding, and graphic tools to promote their crafts and reach broader audiences .
  • Artisan Fair in Rrëshen (October 2023)
    The project organized a local fair in Rrëshen featuring artisans and cultural operators, reinforcing cultural tourism in Mirdita .
  • Photography Exhibition – “Mirdita in Photography”
    • Hosted at Europe House, Tirana (Jan 8–15, 2024): showcased Nadia Abazi’s photography, the “Saharaja” video-installation by Abi Shehu, traditional music instruments from Mark Luli’s collection, and artisan crafts .
    • Culminated at Rrëshen Palace of Culture (Jan 26, 2024): public engagement, cultural discussions, and delivery of policy recommendations to the Municipality.

Implementers and Support

The project was implemented collaboratively by:

  • Art Kontakt – Cultural center founded in Venice in 2003 and established in Tirana in 2007, with a mission to promote Albanian art and culture.
  • EcoKult – A newly founded organization (2023) focused on inspiring sustainable community creativity.

Supported through the EU4Culture program of the European Union, implemented by UNOPS Albania in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture

Why It Matters

Cultour Mirdita bridges tradition with innovation, offering:

  • A structured exploration of Mirdita’s cultural richness through maps, itineraries, and exhibitions.
  • Support for local artisans to enhance skills, visibility, and local economic impact.
  • Tools for sustainable cultural tourism development via policy recommendations.

It’s a project that invites both locals and visitors to discover, support, and preserve Mirdita’s heritage—through exploration, storytelling, and active engagement in cultural continuity.