Gjirokaster or Gjirokastra is a city in Albania. It is situated towards southern side of the country in a valley between Gjere Mountains and Drino. Among top things to do in Gjirokaster are exploring castles, old town, handicraft shopping, archaeological site and street food.
The old town of the city is included among UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is known for being a well preserved Ottoman town and is among the best places to visit in Gjirokaster. Owing to stone houses, the old town is sometimes also called “The City of Stone”. The market or bazaar of the town is among the most interesting things to see in Gjirokaster. You will see two story buildings from 17th – 19th century. There will be shops on the ground facing the streets and houses above them.
In history, the record of this city appear in 1336 under Byzantine rule. It was then addressed by its Greek name Agyrokastro. When it fell under Turkish Ottoman rule, it was known as Ergiri or Ergiri Kasri. You will find many other interesting facts about the city and the region at Gjirokaster tourist attractions like the city’s museum.
The city is also known for being home to well known Albanians like Ismail Kadare and Enver Hoxha. You can visit both their homes to learn about their life and work. Although, Enver Hoxha’s residence is converted into a museum dedicated to local art and craft. But, it is still open to public under Gjirokaster sightseeing.
The National Folklore Festival and Fustanella Festival are also among major Gjirokaster attractions. These both festivals celebrate regional art, music, dance, culture and traditions. The city is also well known for its local variants of street food items and Albanian cuisine.
Top 8 Tourist Attractions to Visit in Gjirokaster
1. Castle of Gjirokastra / Gjirokastër Fortress (Kalaja e Gjirokastrës / Kalaja e Argjirosë)
Also known as Argjiro, this is named after a princess in Albanian folklore. This castle allows you to explore the architecture, history and artifacts from the region at this castle.. It is one of the most popular Gjirokaster attractions. You would need 2 to 3 hours for this castle.
2. The Cold War Tunnel
This tunnel was used as a bunker and for transportation during the Cold War. It was built during the 1960s in secret. You can see several war artifacts like weapons, documents, gadgets and so on. It is one of the most interesting places to visit in Gjirokaster. You will need an hour or so to explore this place.
3. Old Town
The old town is an integral part of Gjirokaster sightseeing. It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The zig-zag cobblestoned streets and stone houses are sights to admire in this part of the city. You can easily spend a couple of hours in the old town when you visit Gjirokaster.
4. Gjirokaster Bazaar
This market looks like a quintessential European small town market. You can see shops on the ground floor and houses atop them. They are as much a place for shopping as they are sightseeing Gjirokaster tourist attractions. It is mainly populated with artisanal shops, handicraft shops, local produces, street food and so on. You would need about an hour or two to explore this place.
5. Zekate House (Zapanaja e Zekatëve)
This 3 story house was built for a general in the Ottoman army some 200 years ago. It has a magnificent regal appeal and houses a museum inside. It is among the most fascinating things to see in Gjirokaster. You would need about 2 hours to see this place.
6. Ethnographic Museum
This museum is housed in the former residence of Enver Hoxha. This museum is one of the best Gjirokaster attractions dedicated to local arts and craft creations. You would need an hour for this museum.
7. National Museum of Armaments
This museum is dedicated to the history of weapons. The exhibits showcases various types of weapons utilized during different points of time and by different empires. It is among the most interesting things to do in Gjirokaster. You will need about an hour for this museum..
8. Ismail Kadare House
This museum was the residence of famous Albanian author Ismail Kadare. The house tells the story of his life and his work. You would need 30 to 45 minutes for this place when you during Gjirokaster travel.
If you are still wondering what to see in Gjirokaster, check out the section below. We have put together a list of several attractions and activities to enjoy in this town.
Things to do in Gjirokaster, Albania
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Gjirokaster, Albania
- Castle of Gjirokastra
- Zekate House
- Skenduli House
- Ethnographic Museum
- The Cold War Tunnel
- Ismail’s Kadare’s House
- Bazar Mosque
- Gjirokaster Obelisk
- Archeological Park of Antigonea
- Arms Museum
- Gjirokaster Mosque
- Seven Fountains
- Adrianopolis Archeological Site
- Saint Sotira Church
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Places to Visit in Gjirokaster, Albania
- Liqeni i Viroit
- Mali i Gjere Mountain
Shopping in Gjirokaster, Albania
- Gjirokastra Bazaar
Offbeat Places, Tours & Adventure Things to do in Gjirokaster, Albania
- Hiking
- Camping
Sightseeing in Gjirokaster, Albania
- Gjirokaster Old Town
- Ali Pasha Bridge
- Qafa e Pazarit
- Cerciz Topulli Square
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Gjirokaster, Albania
- Kujtimi
- Kerculla
- Antigone
- Pizzeria Ndrico
- Gjoca
- Suflac
- Sopoti Cafe
- Kurveleshi
- Taverna Kuka
- Kodra
- Modus Cafe
- El Dorado
- Fantazia
- Mapo
How to Reach Gjirokaster, Albania?
By Air
The closest airport for Gjirokastra travel is Tirana International Airport. You will have to get to Tirana city to then get road transport to reach Gjirokaster.
By Road
You can get buses to visit Gjirokaster from several cities and town in Albania including Tirana. You can also get a bus from Ioannina, Athens and Meteora to reach Gjirokaster.
If you are planning to travel by road, you should head for route SH4 or E853.
By Water
Being a landlocked city, there are no direct water routes to get to Gjirokaster.
Image Reference
- Castle of Gjirokastra / Gjirokastër Fortress (Kalaja e Gjirokastrës / Kalaja e Argjirosë) – Linda Saitos / PixaBay
- The Cold War Tunnel – Adam Jones / Flickr
- Old Town – Ervin Gjata / PixaBay
- Gjirokaster Bazaar – oh contraire / Flickr
- Zekate House (Zapanaja e Zekatëve) – ShkelzenRexha / Wikimedia Commons
- Ethnographic Museum – Malenki / Wikimedia Commons
- National Museum Of Armaments – dm1795 / Flickr
- Ismail Kadare House – Marcin Konsek / Wikimedia Commons
The post Visit The Top 8 Attractions and Things to Do in Gjirokastër appeared first on Wide World Trips.