Where Is Gjirokastёr Castle Located?

Gjirokastёr Castle is situated on a hilltop at 336-meter height, which means some walking is required to reach it.   

The best time to visit the castle would be from April to June and September to October, given that the weather is the most pleasant during those months. During this period, you can avoid the scorching summer heat and the massive crowd and explore the castle comfortably at your own pace. 

The History Behind Gjirokastёr Castle

Throughout history, Gjirokastёr Castle has had a fundamental role in the defense of the region. Its strategic location offers a monitoring point to protect the area from potential threats. In the 14th century, the castle fell to Ottoman rule and became an administrative center of the Ottoman Empire.

The castle’s most critical period was the one it was under the rule of Ali Pashe Tepelena in the 18th and 19th centuries. During this time, Pashe Tepelena made Gjirokastёr Castle his residence, adding the iconic clock tower to its structure, which remains a fundamental characteristic of the castle today.

How to Get to Porto Gjirokastёr?

You can get to the city of Gjirokastёr by car, taxi, or by bus. Let’s go through each option:

5+ Best Things to Do in Gjirokastёr

Apart from seeing the castle, there are other things to do and see in Gjirokastёr. Let’s have a look at what they are:

#1. Visit the Gjirokastёr Bazaar in the Old Town

One of the first things to do in Gjirokaster is wander around the Gjirokastёr Bazaar. It’s located in the heart of the Old Town and once was the center of Ottoman life in Gjirokaster. It’s also known as one of the most visited Albania tourist attractions. In this area, you’ll get the chance to see iconic Ottoman architecture, with recognizable white houses and wooden windows.

There are different souvenir shops throughout the paved streets, where you can immerse yourself in the culture and find traditional clothing, accessories, and some of the best souvenirs in Albania. You can also sit at one of the beautiful cafes and see the Bazaar come to life as more and more people visit.

#2. Check out the Cold War Tunnel

Under the Gjirokastёr Castle, there is an underground tunnel dating back to Albania’s communist era. The Tunnel, now a museum, represents the dark times of Enver Hoxha’s, Albania’s dictator, reign. He built this tunnel in the 1970s as an emergency shelter for when he gets attacked, and there is a total of 59 rooms in there.

It’s one of the most interesting places to visit in Albania. To see the Tunnel properly, you can book a tour guide. It takes about 20 minutes to complete the tour, and it's definitely a must-do if you're visiting Gjirokastёr.



#3. Visit the Ethnographic Museum

This building is special in Albania, as it is the former house of famous dictator Enver Hoxha. It’s actually been reconstructed because a fire almost completely destroyed the original house. The building has many architectural elements of classic Gjirokastёr houses.

There aren’t any of Enver Hoxha’s belongings in the house, though. It’s simply been decorated in the same way it would have looked back then, with traditional household items, clothing, and kitchenware. The entrance fee to this museum is 500 ALL, or €4,8.

#4. Feast on Delicious Food

You can’t visit a city in Albania without trying its signature dish. In Gjirokastёr, that would be Pasha Qofte. It's a delicious dish, perfectly capturing the taste of traditional Albanian food.

It’s a soup with delicious meatballs and a bechamel sauce made of milk, butter, and flour. Some people like adding potatoes or rice, depending on the area. It’s one of the most famous dishes in the city, and you can try it at almost every restaurant. You’re guaranteed to be left speechless!

#5. Find the Ali Pasha Bridge

This bridge is one of the only remains of a big aqueduct system built by Ali Pashe Tepelena back in the 19th century. It was used to supply Gjirokastёr with water coming straight from Mount Sopot since the city didn’t have a water supply.

It can be reached after a 30-minute hike from the city of Gjirokastёr, and once you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the landscape surrounding you.



#6. Go to the Bazaar Mosque

Near the Old Bazaar, you’ll find the beautiful Bazaar Mosque, built in the 17th century. There were around 13 mosques built during the Ottoman era, but this is the only remaining one, as the others got destroyed during communism. They say that this mosque was left to represent a significant cultural monument in Gjirokastёr.

It’s actually one of the oldest buildings in the city, and it’s open daily for everyone to visit, with no entrance fee. A fun fact about the mosque is that it was used as a training space for circus acrobats until the 90s!

Travel with Kalemi to Gjirokaster

Full Day Tour from Tirana to Gjirokaster, Blue Eye and Saranda

This full day tour starts at 8 a.m. in Tirana, and the first stop is the coastal town of Saranda, with its beautiful beaches and countless seafood restaurants. After a little exploration of the city, you’ll visit the Blue Eye, one of the most beautiful natural phenomena in Albania.

This freshwater spring has a depth of at least 50 meters, and a beautiful turquoise color. The next stop is the ancient city of Gjirokastra, with its narrow cobblestone streets and old houses, still standing to this day. You’ll get to visit the museum of Ismail Kadare, as well as the medieval bazaar, where you’ll find countless handmade crafts and souvenirs.

Why Visit Gjirokastёr Castle?

Here are some very strong reasons why Gjirokastёr Castle should definitely be on your destination list:



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