Gjirokastër Travel Guide

Nestled in the heart of the Balkans, Albania is a country rich with cultural heritage and natural beauty. One of its most enchanting cities is Gjirokastër, known as the "City of Stone" due to its extensive use of local limestone in its architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a testament to the country's diverse history and cultural tapestry.

Gjirokastër's old town is a marvel of Ottoman-era architecture, with its cobbled streets winding up the hillside and houses with distinctive stone roofs that seem to cascade down the slopes. The city's fortress, Kalaja e Gjirokastrës, dominates the skyline and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding Drino Valley. Inside the fortress complex, visitors can explore museums and discover remnants of bygone eras, from artillery pieces to a captured U.S. Air Force plane.

The Gjirokastër Bazaar is a hub of activity where artisans sell traditional crafts, and visitors can find local products such as hand-woven textiles and culinary specialties. The bazaar also serves as a venue for the National Folklore Festival, which is held every five years and showcases music, dance, and customs from across Albania.

One of Gjirokastër's most famous residents was the novelist Ismail Kadare, whose works are celebrated in the city. The house where he was born has been transformed into a museum that offers insight into his life and the cultural context of his writing.

For those interested in the region's history, the Ethnographic Museum, located in the former home of Enver Hoxha, the communist leader of Albania, provides a glimpse into traditional Albanian life and customs.

Gastronomy in Gjirokastër reflects the city's cultural diversity, with dishes that blend flavors from the Mediterranean and the Balkans. Visitors can indulge in local delicacies such as qifqi (rice balls), pasha qofte (soup with meatballs), and byrek (savory pies), all of which can be enjoyed in the atmospheric settings of the city's taverns and restaurants.