Declared as a Museum City in 1963, Gjirokastra is also a World Cultural Heritage (UNESCO site) since the year 2005. However, today has become an important center of the tourist movement for Albania and beyond. Gjirokaster is located in southern Albania. Only 55 km away from the coastal city of Saranda. Also, 31 km away from the border with Greece.
The “Stone City”
The “Stone City” or the city of a thousand stairs lies in a rugged hilly relief. At the foot of the Broad Mountain (Mali i Gjere) with a dominant position along the Drino’s valley. Moreover, it offers a very rare panoramic view and special impressions.
The castle of Gjirokaster
The castle, which dates between VI-XII centuries, has served as the nucleus of this ancient city from III AD century. It is distinguished for its significant architectural, historical and cultural values.
But also, as a reference point for events such as folklore festivals, wedding ceremonies, photography enthusiasts, etc. Moreover, it serves as a dominant point not only for the city but also for the surrounding landscape.
The city has expanded over the centuries, in the form of concentric circles. Furthermore, from the center towards the periphery are preserved fragments of history. But also, of culture from the earliest ages to the present day.
In every alley stone, bridge, house, neighborhood, infrastructural work, is preserved the identity and values of the Albanian culture. Gjirokastra, the stone city has a very valuable contribution.
Gjirokastra and more
Not to forget to mention, most of the cultural objects such as museum houses, cult objects, artworks,. But also, the infrastructural works are from the medieval period until today.
Here you can find traces of the descendants of the Kaon tribe. However, the various Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman invaders have left their traces.
Objects such as the castle, the 500 houses of the Ottoman period in the XVII century are declared cultural monuments. So is, the water supply, and artworks on the castle by Ali Pasha Tepelena, the mosque of Qafë e Pazarit (XVIII century), the two churches (XVIII century), the ethnographic museum.
Italian-style buildings built during the twentieth century.
Also, the underground bunker built during the communist period constitutes a special mosaic. Both of which are enormous material and spiritual wealth that arouses the interest of thousands of tourists to visit.
The characteristic houses of Gjirokaster which are distinguished for the artworks and stone buildings. Have not only historical values but also architectural ones. Here we can mention the house of Zakateve, Skëndulaj, the house of Kadare, etc.
Antique cities
Not far from this city other tourist attractions complement the tourist package. For example, here we can mention the archeological centers that are near Gjirokaster, like: Antigone, Paleokastra, historical settlements such as; Mashkullora, Libohova, a series of cult objects such as mosques, tekkes, monasteries, etc.
Moreover, in the surrounding villages as well as sites with natural values. Such as Sotira, the cave of Skotinise, and the karst spring of Viroi.
Even the hospitality, generosity, tolerance, wealth in folklore that characterizes the people of Gjirokaster, traditional cuisine are added values. This way it attracts tourists who feel at home while visiting this city where the roots of the Albanian nation are located.
