11 Reasons Why Everyone Should Visit Gjirokastër, the UNESCO Town of Albania

The castle of Gjirokastër is the largest of Albania
The castle of Gjirokastër is the largest of Albania | © LindaSaitos / Pixabay
Francesca Masotti

Gjirokastër, the pearl of Albania, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and enchanting towns on the Balkan Peninsula. The city has plenty of gorgeous places to visit and can be easily seen in a weekend. Here are 11 reasons everyone should visit this town, which has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Old Bazaar

The Old Bazaar is among the most charming areas in Gjirokastër and should be on every visitors must-do list while in town. The recently restored area offers many boutiques where travelers can buy souvenirs, as well as visit traditional cafés, byrek shops, and some of the most beautiful Ottoman-era houses on the Balkan Peninsula.

The colorful old bazar of Gjirokastër

The Shopping

Handmade carpets and rugs are make great souvenirs

Gjirokastër Castle

Gjirokastër Castle is among the largest and most beautiful castles in Albania. It also has a rich history: the prison in the castle was used by King Zog’s regime, then by the Italian and German occupation forces during WWII, and then again during the communist regime, as well. Since the ’70s, it has been home to a military museum, which features a U.S. Air Force plane that was captured near Tirana during WWII.

The castle of Gjirokastër is the largest of Albania

The Ethnographic Museum

The Ethnographic Museum is housed on the site of former dictator Enver Hoxha’s home. Hoxha was born in Gjirokastër, and though his home burned in a fire, the museum building now found here was built in the style of a traditional Gjirokastër home. With traditional folk costumes, furniture, cultural artifacts, and more it’s a great example of life in the town during the 19th century. There is also a large room in the museum with beautiful traditional rugs and colored windows that makes for a great photo background.

The food

The food alone is a great reason to visit Albania, with fresh seasonal produce and traditional tasty dishes that are worth the trip. Gjirokastër is no exception: with byrek, traditional meatballs, rice dishes, and tasty pies, the town is a heaven for food lovers.

Byrek is one of the most famous Albanian dishes

The architecture

As one of the oldest settlements in the country, lovers of history and architecture should be sure to make the trip to Gjirokastër. The town features many outstandingly beautiful Ottoman-era houses, which were built in the 17th century. The old bazaar, an 18th century mosque, and two lovely churches are also must-visit sites.

The old traditional white house of Gjirokastër

The Zekate House

Zekate House is one of the most beautiful and fascinating buildings in Gjirokastër. This traditional tower house is unlike others because it has twin towers and a double-arched façade. Entry only costs €1.50—a bargain to visit this architectural masterpiece, which dates back to 1811.

The Fustanella Festival

As one of the most important cultural towns in the country, Gjirokastër is an ideal location for the Fustanella Festival, which takes place each July. Singers from around the world come to perform at the festival, and there is also a section entirely dedicated to traditional Albanian dances, songs, and costumes. This is a great way to become completely immersed in a typical Albanian experience.

Antigonea

Antigonea is just a 30-minute drive from Gjirokastër, and the Albanian Government fairly recently declared it a National Archaeological Park. Today, visitors will find only a few ruins of the old city, but the most impressive sites here are the walls and the Epirote House with its columns.

Adrianopolis

The archaeological site of Adrianopolis is in Sofratika, a village about 20 minutes south of Gjirokastër. The Roman Emperor Hadrian built the settlement in the 2nd century AD. The area also features an impressive and well-preserved Roman theatre.

The day trips

Gjirokastër offers visitors the opportunity to organize interesting day trips. In one or two hours driving (public transport is available, but it’s advisable to rent a car) it’s possible to reach locations such as Përmet (a hot spring known for its excellent warm water) or Syri I Kalter, also known as the Blue Eye, a natural spring hidden in a forest on the road to Saranda.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Winter Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

X
Edit article