Holiday apartment in Gjirokastër: Old Town, castle and UNESCO World Heritage

Gjirokastër lies in southern Albania in the Drino Valley, on the steep slopes of Mali i Gjerë. Stone houses and cobbled lanes shape the character of the city known as the “stone city”. At the same time, Gjirokastër is located on Albania’s most important north–south transport axis. The historic centres of Berat and Gjirokastër are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites as rare examples of architectural character typical of the Ottoman period.

Culture and history

At the heart of the city, Gjirokastër Castle stands on a hill above the Drino Valley; its history dates back to the 4th century. The castle houses a weapons museum and the ruins of a prison from the communist era. The weapons museum provides a broad overview of Albanian military history, with a focus on the Second World War and the period that followed. The castle also hosts artistic activities, including the National Folklore Festival.

The Ethnographic Museum showcases the traditional life and culture of the Gjirokastër region. Exhibits include furniture, folk costumes, tools and everyday objects; all four floors of the museum are open to the public. Historic residential houses complement this picture. Zekate House was built in 1812 and is considered one of the most outstanding examples of Ottoman residential architecture in Gjirokastër. Skënduli House was built in 1705 and is a well-preserved example of the city’s architectural traditions. After being returned to its original owners, it was converted into a museum for visitors.

The Ismail Kadare House also combines architectural history and personal memories: it was built in 1799, is the childhood home of the Albanian writer Ismail Kadare and has been converted into a museum. The house contains original furniture and photographs of the family.

Cityscape and crafts

The historic centre preserves a bazaar, an 18th-century mosque and two churches from the same period. With its cobbled streets and medieval façades, the Gjirokastër Bazaar forms the centre and heart of the Old Town. It is known for handmade woodwork, handwoven carpets and handicrafts.

The historic architectural fabric includes the Bazaar Mosque, also known as the Memi Bey Mosque. It was built in 1727 and is one of the last three surviving mosques from the 18th century. The Ali Pasha Bridge, a stone bridge belonging to an aqueduct, has also been preserved above the Dunavat district.

Babameto serves as a centre for culture and heritage and hosts cultural and tourist events. At the Babameto Centre, visitors can watch local artisans at work and buy handmade souvenirs. These souvenirs are produced mainly by women from the GjiroArt association.

Location and getting around

In the historic centre of Gjirokastër, the tourist attractions are within walking distance. However, the routes leading to them are steep and cobbled. A public bus service connects the Old Town and the New Town of Gjirokastër; four bus routes operate in the city.

Culinary traditions

The local cuisine includes Qifqi, which is served in Gjirokastër and is considered one of the city’s most authentic traditional dishes. A traditional dessert from Gjirokastër is made from sheep’s milk, sugar and dried figs.

Other destinations that you can access on this page include Goranxi, Peshtan, Sheper and Përmet.

To the higher-level travel overview: Gjirokastër County.