A journey into Tropoja’s culture and tradition, heritage’s revitalization in the museum
Covering 1,300 square metres, the eight pavilions of the Historical Museum of Tropoja present the rich history and traditions of the region through artefacts that transcend our era. The museum itself is housed in a building inspired by the tower houses of the Dragobia Gorge and the home of the national hero Mic Sokoli in Bujan, emphasising the defensive character of the highland towers and drawing attention to their enduring cultural significance.
A wide variety of styles, colours and motifs can be found in the traditional folk costumes displayed in the museum. The collection includes men's traditional clothing, distinguished by the hemispherical white felt cap (qeleshe), woollen trousers, vests or jackets, and a woven woollen belt (shokë). Women's attire displays even greater variety, including the xhubleta, worn by girls, brides and women and now inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Other traditional garments include the narrow dress, the wide dress with wrap skirt, the young girls’ costume, and the outfit featuring a headscarf and shoulder wrap.
EU Delegation to Albania
All these garments remain a vital expression of local identity, embodying the rich cultural heritage of the area and demonstrating continuity across generations. A cradle, a fireplace and a guest room recreated within the museum allow visitors to envision the traditional homes of the region and appreciate the hospitality that has long characterised its inhabitants.
Today, the museum goes beyond imagination by using modern technology to bring the region and its treasures to life. Between 2023 and 2025, within the framework of the EU-funded project New Reality of the Heritage Sites, the Historical Museum of Tropoja underwent rehabilitation, beginning with the reconstruction of its roof, which now protects both the building and its collections from rain and moisture.
The museum has been revitalised with new vertical signage, interpretative panels and a digital showroom featuring augmented reality applications. These enhancements strengthen its role in educating future generations about Tropoja’s history, culture and traditions.
“The digital room, equipped with four pairs of VR glasses, presents the traditional guest room, or oda, through an immersive four-dimensional experience. Typically, the guest room included the master of the house, his wife, their son and the guest, embodying the hospitality of the region. The wife would bring food to the door, which the son would then place before the guest—a ritual reflecting deeply rooted values of respect and generosity,” museum staff explain.
The project’s interventions have improved accessibility, enriched the presentation of historical and cultural content, and introduced modern interpretation tools, reinforcing the museum’s role as a key cultural and tourism destination. Along the revitalised cultural routes, at least twenty vertical signs now provide historical context and guidance, while digital maps enable visitors to navigate heritage trails and explore local landmarks with ease.
Outside the museum, a large information board provides a QR code that, when scanned, launches a virtual tour of Tropoja, showcasing the area’s most iconic natural sites. Through the application Tropoja VR Tour, visitors can virtually explore treasures such as traditional tower houses, the Dragobia Cave and the surrounding mountainous landscape, with its snow-capped peaks, dense forests, glacial springs and crystal-clear rivers, including the renowned Valbona Valley. Through virtual reality, these natural wonders can be symbolically carried away, allowing visitors to keep a connection with Tropoja’s beauty wherever they go.
EU Delegation to Albania
Despite the attack that destroyed more than 90 per cent of its holdings in 1997, the museum documents 5,000 years of history in the Highlands of Gjakova, from the Neolithic era to the present day. Its collections illustrate the region’s long struggle for freedom, from Ottoman-era uprisings and the Albanian League of Prizren to the revolts of 1909–1912, independence, and the Second World War.
The interventions undertaken through this project represent a vital investment in safeguarding and revitalising Tropoja’s cultural heritage. By improving accessibility, enriching the presentation of historical and cultural content, and integrating modern interpretation tools, the museum has been transformed into a dynamic centre for learning and tourism. These measures not only preserve the collective memory of the region but also ensure that future generations can engage with its history and traditions in meaningful ways. In doing so, the project strengthens the museum’s role as a cornerstone of cultural identity and a driver of sustainable regional development.
Background information
The project “New Reality of the Heritage Sites” funded by the European Union through “IPA Cbc Programme Montenegro-Albania 2014-2020”, aimed to enhance the tourism sector and strengthen the valorization of cultural heritage in the cross-border region between Montenegro and Albania. The initiative focuses on revitalizing significant cultural heritage sites and improving their interpretation through innovative digital tools, tourism products, and cross-border cooperation. The overall objective of the project is to contribute to the development of tourism, culture, and heritage in the cross-border region of Montenegro and Albania.
The specific objective is to improve the visibility, accessibility, and promotion of cultural heritage in Bar and Tropoja through modern tourism presentation tools, including augmented reality, digital mapping, and interpretative infrastructure.