The Audio Long Read Sold to the Trump family: one of the last undeveloped islands in the Mediterranean
Jul 14, 2025
Discover the fascinating history of Cezanne, an Albanian island now set for a luxury transformation by the Trump family. Explore the intriguing blend of its military past and lush biodiversity. Dive into the complexities of real estate ambitions as luxury tourism meets environmental concerns. Learn about the challenges of developing such a unique site while respecting local history and ecology.
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Trump Family's Luxury Island Purchase
- Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner bought a 1,400-acre Albanian island for over $1bn to build a luxury resort.
- Kushner sees the island as a treasure with 40 miles of trails and dramatic natural beauty.
Island's Communist Military Past
- During communist rule, Cezanne served as a military fortress isolated from the outside world.
- Around 150 military families lived there with schools and hospitals, detached from the mainland society.
Danger from Unexploded Ordnance
- The island is heavily contaminated with unexploded ordnance from 1990s criminal attacks.
- Despite this, development plans proceed with areas still needing clearance for safety.