Why do foreigners visit Shkodra? Why do people move to Shkodra from all over the world, including myself? Shkodra is a city with historic roots, one that has, most recently, risen from the ashes of communism. It has seen significant changes during the last three decades. Historical residences have been renovated, roads have been resurfaced and improved, and new buildings have been built, yet this city has maintained its traditional beauty and welcoming atmosphere throughout.

No one is banning any private investor from enhancing their property, but it must adhere to the city’s rules, which are in place for a reason. Property owners are not prohibited from improving or building on their properties, but they do have a responsibility to the city and its heritage.

The latest proposed project for the Hotel Rozafa Tower is unwelcome since it goes beyond what the city needs. It is not a project that fits in with Shkodra’s aesthetic. Why does it need to be 35-40 floors high? Is it not possible to achieve this while adhering to present legal codes of 7+2? Many historical city centers across the world have expanded and improved over time, and many have done so while remaining in harmony with the city fabric. This project goes beyond that. If this project proceeds, it will mark the beginning of the demise of a city that has withstood the test of time. It will permanently alter the landscape of the city. It is unnecessary for tourism. It is unnecessary for the city’s 65,000+ residents. It is unnecessary for international conventions. In a city with over 65,000 population, a 100-meter tower, hotel, commerce, and convention space is unnecessary.

Yes, we have many tourists, but ask yourself why they enjoy visiting Shkodra. It will not be to view another 100mt new structure or to shop in a glass-enclosed mall. This project may prove to be a deterrent, diverting potential tourists to other destinations such as Gjrokaster (no towers there) or any other historic city in the Balkans that has preserved its spirit and history, such as Ljubljana (Slovenia), Dubrovnik, Prague, and so on. It will also give future investors the opportunity to build contemporary buildings in the city’s historic center in the name of development.

If the investors were concerned about their city and keeping it from becoming another chilly, skyscraper-filled city, they would scale back their proposal to reflect the city’s longevity, which is 2,000+ years old. They would choose a project that reflected Shkodra’s history. You can still have a center like this, but it must adhere to local codes and exhibit a certain unity and harmony with its surroundings.

If Shkodra citizens can influence where their city heads in the future, we must speak up and express our ideas and concerns when a project of this magnitude is proposed.

Bianca Maria Gjomarkaj