SUMMER SCHOOL OF THE ALBANIAN ALPS II
Mapping Cultural Landscape in Settlements of the Albanian Alps

Location: Nikç, Kelmend, Valley of Cemi, National Park “Albanian Alps”
July 11th-20th 2025

Initiative by GO2Albania, as part of the Creative Europe Tramontana IV project.

Nikç, once one of the most isolated and underdeveloped villages in Kelmendi, is now the best documented, thanks to almost two years of work by GO2Albania.

Supported by a multidisciplinary team of experts from Albania and abroad, the project involved field visits, archaeological and architectural surveys, ethnographic interviews, drone photography and the creation of a detailed GIS-based database.

A comprehensive methodology for cultural landscape mapping was developed, combining field measurements, interviews, GPS marking and the use of orthophotos. This methodology was applied during the Second Albanian Alps Summer School in March 2025, held in Nikç. Young professionals from various European universities participated in practical fieldwork, documenting key areas of the village and collecting detailed data on buildings, land use and landscape elements, with the essential help of local residents.

The results were presented in the 2025 publication “Cultural Landscape”, highlighting the innovative and collaborative approach of the project. Beyond data collection, the initiative serves as a national model for the preservation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage. It strengthens local professional capacities, promotes sustainable planning and aims to restore vernacular architecture with local identity, positioning Albania to better protect its cultural landscapes and compete on the international stage.

Organised by: GO2Albania
Collaborators: Tramontana Network, Protected Areas Administration, Shkodër
Funded by: Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust – PONT, European Union, and the “CLOE” Project Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions