Gjirokastër: The Stone City of Albania

• HelloMirëmëngjes
  [meer-muhn-JEHS]
• GoodbyeMirupafshim
  [mee-roo-pahf-SHEEM]
• YesPo
  [poh]
• NoJo
  [yoh]
• Please/You're welcomeJu lutem
  [yoo loo-TEHM]
• Thank youFaleminderit
  [fah-leh-meen-deh-REET]
• Excuse me/SorryMë falni
  [muh fahl-NEE]
• How are you?Si jeni?
  [see yeh-NEE]
• Fine. And you?Mirë. Dhe ju?
  [mee-ruh. dheh yoo?]
• Do you speak English?Flisni anglisht?
  [flees-NEE ahng-LEESHT]
• I don't understandNuk kuptoj
  [nook koop-TOY]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseDëshiroja të shikoja menunë, ju lutem
  [duh-shee-ROH-yah tuh shee-KOH-yah meh-NOO-neh, yoo loo-TEHM]
• I don't eat meatUnë nuk ha mish
  [OO-nuh nook hah meesh]
• Cheers!Gëzuar!
  [guh-zwahr]
• I would like to pay, pleaseDua të paguaj, ju lutem
  [DOO-ah tuh pah-GWAHY, yoo loo-TEHM]

• Help!Ndihmë!
  [NDIH-muh]
• Go away!Shko larg!
  [shkoh lahr-guh]
• Call the Police!Thirrni policin!
  [thir-NEE poh-LEE-tseen]
• Call a doctor!Thirrni një doktor!
  [thir-NEE nyuh dohk-TOHR]
• I'm lostJam i humbur
  [yahm ee hum-BOOR]
• I'm illJam i sëmurë
  [yahm ee suhm-ROO]

• I'd like to buy...Dëshiroj të blej...
  [duh-shee-ROY tuh bleh]
• I'm just lookingPo shikoj vetëm
  [poh shee-KOY veh-TEM]
• How much is it?Sa kushton?
  [sah koos-TOHN]
• That's too expensiveKjo është shumë e shtrenjtë
  [kyoh ehs-TEH shoo-muh eh shtrehn-JTEH]
• Can you lower the price?A mund të ulni çmimin?
  [ah moon-DUH tw ul-NEE chmee-MEEN]

• What time is it?Sa është ora?
  [sah ehs-TEH oh-RAH]
• It's one o'clockËshtë një e orë
  [ehs-TEH nyuh eh oh-REH]
• Half past (10)Njëmbëdhjetë
  [nyuhm-BUHDH-yeh-tuh]
• MorningMëngjes
  [muhn-JEHS]
• AfternoonPasdite
  [pahs-DEE-teh]
• EveningMbrëmje
  [mbruhm-yeh]
• YesterdayDje
  [djeh]
• TodaySot
  [soht]
• TomorrowNesër
  [neh-SUHR]
• 1Një
  [nyuh]
• 2Dy
  [duh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Katër
  [kah-tuhr]
• 5Pesë
  [peh-suh]
• 6Gjashtë
  [gyahsht]
• 7Shtatë
  [shtah-tuh]
• 8Tetë
  [teh-tuh]
• 9Nëntë
  [nuhn-tuh]
• 10Dhjetë
  [thjeh-tuh]

• Where's a/the...?Ku është një/e...?
  [koo ehs-TEH nyuh/eh]
• What's the address?Cila është adresa?
  [CHEE-lah ehs-TEH ah-DREH-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?A mund të më tregoni (në hartë)?
  [ah moon-DUH tuh muh troh-GOH-nee (nuh hahr-TEH)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kur është autobusi i ardhshëm?
  [koor ehs-TEH ah-oh-BOO-see ee ahrdshuhm]
• A ticket (to ....)Një biletë (në ....)
  [nyuh bee-leh-TAH (nuh)]

Gjirokastër's origins date back to the 4th century BC, when it was known as Argjiro. The settlement was part of the ancient Greek region of Epirus. Its strategic location on a hill provided natural fortification, making it an important center for trade and defense in the region.

During the medieval period, Gjirokastër was part of the Byzantine Empire and later the Despotate of Epirus, a successor state formed after the Fourth Crusade in 1204. The city flourished under the rule of the despots, who fortified it further and built many of its characteristic stone houses.

Gjirokastër fell under Ottoman rule in the early 15th century. Under Ottoman administration, the city grew significantly and became an important administrative and military center. The Ottomans constructed the Gjirokastër Fortress, which dominates the cityscape to this day. This period also saw the development of the city's unique architectural style, with its stone-built houses and narrow cobblestone streets.

The 19th century was a period of significant change for Gjirokastër, as the Albanian National Awakening began to take shape. The city became a center for the Albanian nationalist movement, hosting important figures such as the writer and Renaissance man, Çerçiz Topulli. Gjirokastër played a crucial role in the fight for Albanian independence from the Ottoman Empire.

In the 20th century, Gjirokastër's history was marked by significant political and social changes. After World War II, Albania fell under communist rule, led by the dictator Enver Hoxha, who was born in Gjirokastër. The city experienced industrialization and population growth during this period, but also the suppression of political dissent and traditional cultural practices.

Today, Gjirokastër is a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrated for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and historical significance. The city attracts tourists from around the world who come to explore its rich history, visit the Gjirokastër Fortress, and walk its picturesque streets. Gjirokastër continues to be a symbol of Albania's cultural heritage and resilience.

Gjirokastër is located in southern Albania and is accessible from several major cities. The nearest international airport is Tirana International Airport (TIA), approximately 225 kilometers away. From Tirana, you can take a bus or rent a car to Gjirokastër. The bus journey usually takes around 4 to 5 hours. Alternatively, you can also get there via buses from other Albanian cities such as Saranda (1-2 hours) and Vlora (2-3 hours).

Gjirokastër is a compact city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer distances or convenience, taxis are available and relatively affordable. There are also local minibuses (furgons) that connect Gjirokastër with nearby towns and villages. Renting a car can be an option if you want to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace, but be aware that some roads may be narrow and winding.

The official currency in Albania is the Albanian Lek (ALL). Credit and debit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available throughout Gjirokastër, but make sure to withdraw enough cash beforehand if you plan to visit more remote areas.

Gjirokastër is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Gjirokastër does not have high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists, staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always advisable.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Gjirokastër has local police stations and medical facilities available. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in the city for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting religious sites, dress conservatively and behave respectfully. Public Transport: Do be polite and considerate to other passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a smile. It's polite to use basic Albanian phrases such as 'Faleminderit' (Thank you) and 'Përshëndetje' (Hello). Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food and drink offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Gjirokastër like a local, visit the local markets where you can purchase fresh produce and traditional Albanian goods. Engage with the locals, who are often friendly and eager to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don’t miss out on visiting the Gjirokastër Castle and the Ethnographic Museum. For a unique experience, take a stroll through the old bazaar and explore the traditional stone houses that give Gjirokastër its nickname 'The Stone City.'