Vila e Mbretit Zog - King Zog's Villa, Shirokë, Shkodër

Albania once had a self-proclaimed monarch, King Zog I, who ruled from 1928 to 1939. Is a mix of beauty and neglect. The villa, once grand in the 1920s and 1930s, could have been a vibrant historical site, yet now it sits in disrepair.
Walking the grounds, I could imagine the King and his family enjoying their days, the gardens manicured, and the fountains flowing. But now, it's overgrown and abandoned, a shadow of its past. It's heartbreaking that such a significant piece of Albania's history hasn't been restored and turned into a cultural landmark or tourist attraction. Even for those who aren’t monarchists, this is a piece of Albania’s heritage worth preserving.
The villa reminded me of Villa Borghese in Rome, though on a smaller scale. There’s a sense of nostalgia, with the balconies and gardens crying out for restoration. This could be a unique opportunity for the area, bringing in tourists, jobs, and pride for Albania. It’s time to revive this piece of history before it’s lost forever.