Family Art Guides presents “Tirana Castles” in Petrelë

Tirana Castles and Fortresses – Project presentation in Petrelë
20 November 2023 | “Mamica” Square, Petrelë

On 20 November 2023, in “Mamica” Square in Petrelë, the presentation event for the project “Tirana Castles and Fortresses – A Guide for Children and Young People” (Tirana Art Guides) took place — an initiative that aims to bring younger generations closer to the city's cultural heritage through art, illustration and contemporary education.

Organised by Family Art Guides, the activity brought an afternoon dedicated to children, families and the local community to one of the area's most symbolic sites, presenting the vision and goals of the project.

An event for the community

The activity in Petrelë was not simply a formal presentation, but an open meeting with the community. Children took part in creative activities inspired by castle architecture. Through these interactive formats, the project was presented not only as a publication, but as a living process of education and awareness-raising.

The choice of Petrelë as a starting point carried a particular symbolism: Petrelë Castle represents one of the most important heritage monuments in the Tirana area, a space where history, landscape and identity are naturally intertwined. It was there that the project took public shape for the first time, placing heritage at the centre of attention for families and young people.

Education through heritage

The goal of the project is to strengthen the sense of identity and belonging through knowledge of cultural heritage sites. At a time when information circulates mainly through screens, “Tirana Castles” proposes a return to the territory, to the physical exploration of space, and to learning through experience.

The guides will serve as teaching tools for schools, teachers and parents, creating opportunities for educational walks, creative workshops and interdisciplinary activities that connect history, geography, art and the social sciences.

A step toward the future

The event marked the official start of the project's public communication and the opening of a dialogue with the community on the importance of preserving and promoting our cultural heritage. It confirmed the need for initiatives that place children and young people at the centre of cultural processes, not merely as spectators, but as active participants.

This project is organised by the MeWe Association and EJAlbum, with the support of the Municipality of Tirana.