Restoration and reinforcement of Castle Preza

The Castle of Preza is a 1st category monument and a fortification of great importance. It has been built during the 15th century and is an asset with a long history of intervention phases. The earthquake of November 2019 had a catastrophic impact on most of the tangible cultural heritage in central Albania including the castle of Preza. The effects of the earthquake were major masonry collapses in the two towers of the Castle and severe damage on the fortification wall in between. An emergent stabilization of both towers, initiated the process to proceed after thorough research on the condition of the building and the reasons that brought the collapse and damages, finalizing the restoration proposal. The interventions were challenging and delicate and required a high level of engineering expertise and good knowledge of traditional structures. The processes went from reconstruction to structural rehabilitation, reinforcement using innovative materials in combination with traditional techniques, and use of saved original materials. It represents a project of monument recovery, with its treatment of existing pathologies, not addressed for years, and the improvement of its structural integrity with the final goal of bringing it back to the community of Preza.