For more than ten days, heavy equipment work has been underway in the Finiqi National Archaeological Park, which, according to cultural heritage specialists and activists, is being carried out in violation of site protection practices and without the presence of responsible authorities.
Two heavy vehicles have been found digging directly on the ancient walls at the Acropolis of Finiq. Sources from the Cultural Heritage Forum indicate that, following official inquiries, it has been communicated that the works are part of a project by the Ministry of Culture that aims to "stabilize the ancient walls."
But field verifications reveal a worrying situation:
No archaeologists were present at the excavation site during the works.
No representatives of cultural institutions were present.
The person in charge of Finiq Park was not on site.
The Regional Directorate of Culture in Vlora and the Municipality of Finiq stated that they were unaware of the interventions.
The workers present refused to reveal the name of the company that was carrying out the "restoration" work.
Restoration experts point out that in European archaeological parks where the area has not been fully excavated or studied, the introduction of heavy equipment is practically prohibited, as it endangers the archaeological layers and the integrity of the monuments. In the past, restoration interventions at Finiq and other sites were carried out with controlled methods and adapted tools, without damaging the ancient structures.
During the inspection, it was also noted that the road, financed several years ago with European Union funds, has been severely damaged and in some segments has become impassable, further raising questions about the management of the territory and the maintenance of the infrastructure.
The Cultural Heritage Forum demands the immediate cessation of works until professional supervision and respect for legal standards for protected areas are ensured. The situation in Finiq is seen as a dangerous precedent that could damage one of the most important centers of ancient Epirus and Albanian history.
