Saint Mary’s church in Benja, part of Permet district, constructed between 1789 and 1891 and proclaimed as culture monument, will undergo a total restoration process that will be implemented in two phases. 

Minister of Culture, Mirela Kumbaro declared during the project’s presentation ceremony, which follows Benja’s inclusion in the list of historic centers last January, aims to transform this village into a tourist destination.

“The Benja’s church project was drafted by the Culture Monuments Institute (CMI) to be in line with the decision taken at the beginning of this year to declare Benja a historical monument. This project foresees the rehabilitation of this entire historic center. The church’s restoration is the first step for this project’s implementation. Benja has extraordinary natural and cultural potentials thus should be transformed into a destination not to be missed for every one that visits Permet,” said Kumbaro.

Referring to the investments currently underway in Permet the minister said that the objective is the tourists’ number increase, adding that of course this target may be achieved through service improvement.