Deep in the Albanian countryside, ancient stones are getting a new lease on life. Workers have begun carefully restoring five key monuments at the Bylis/Klos Archaeological Park, one of the country's most important windows into its ancient past. The site contains the remains of two once-thriving cities — Bylis and Klos, which was known in ancient times as Nikaia — that date back centuries before today. Now, a major restoration project aims to preserve these treasures and share them with the world.
The monuments receiving attention include the Theatre of Bylis, the Theatre of Klos, an ancient Cistern used to collect rainwater, the Justinian Baths where people once bathed and socialized, the Prytaneion and Arsenal where city officials once worked, and Basilica D, a Christian church from later periods. Each of these structures tells a piece of Albania's long and layered history, from Greek colonization through Roman rule to the early Christian era.
The work is being carried out under the "EU for Economic Development – Tourism-led Local Economic Development" initiative, a program funded by the European Union in Albania along with AICS, the Italian development agency. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports is cooperating on the effort. The goal goes beyond simple repairs: project leaders want to improve how the archaeological park is managed as a whole and create a better experience for visitors who walk its dusty paths today.
Albania has long recognized Bylis and Klos as among its most significant archaeological centers. The cities sat along important trade routes and grew into hubs of political and cultural life in ancient times. Today, their ruins offer rare glimpses into how people lived, governed themselves, and built communities centuries ago. Protecting these monuments ensures that future generations — both Albanians and visitors from abroad — can connect with this heritage firsthand.
The new investment aims to make these ancient sites not just historically valuable, but more accessible. Better preservation means the structures will withstand the elements for decades to come, while improved visitor facilities could draw more tourists to the region. For local communities, a flourishing archaeological park can bring economic benefits too, from jobs in tourism to business for nearby restaurants and hotels.
As conservation teams begin their delicate work among the ruins, the message from project leaders is clear: Albania's ancient past is worth protecting, and the world is invited to come and see it.