Albania presents Arbëresh heritage projects at Vatican

A Vatican event marking Arbëresh Cultural Day has brought new attention to Albania’s plans to secure broader protection for the Arbëresh, the historic Albanian communities in southern Italy.

Local leaders and researchers from Arbëresh towns joined the gathering, which focused on efforts to preserve the group’s language and traditions.

Albania’s Ministry of Culture said it is preparing a UNESCO nomination on Arbëresh heritage, opening an Albanian Cultural Centre in Italy and establishing a national Arbëresh Museum in Tirana.

The initiatives aim to support a community that has maintained Albanian customs for more than five centuries.

Officials said the projects are intended to deepen cooperation with Arbëresh regions and raise the profile of their heritage within Europe’s cultural landscape.