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Muzeu i Armëve: A Chronicle of Albanian Military History

Explore Albania's military history at Muzeu i Armëve in Gjirokastër Castle, showcasing weaponry and artifacts from independence to WWII.

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The Muzeu i Armëve (Weapons Museum) in Gjirokastër, Albania, showcases the country's military history from 1912 through WWII. Housed within the historic Gjirokastër Castle, the museum displays a collection of weaponry and artifacts related to Albania's fight for independence and resistance against occupation forces.

A brief summary to Muzeu i Armëve

  • 34FQ+5XH, Rruga Gjin Bue Shpata, Gjirokaster, AL
  • Monday 9 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-7 pm
  • Friday 9 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the museum and the Gjirokastër Castle, as the castle is large and has many different areas to explore.
  • Consider visiting the museum during the week for a quieter experience.
  • A single ticket may not cover both the castle entrance and the museum. Inquire about separate admission fees for each.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Gjirokastër's Old Bazaar, head uphill along the cobbled street lined with souvenir and art stalls towards Gjirokastër Castle. The walk is steep but manageable, taking approximately 15-20 minutes. Once at the castle entrance, the Muzeu i Armëve is located inside.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Gjirokastër. A short taxi ride from the city center to the entrance of Gjirokastër Castle, where the Muzeu i Armëve is located, will typically cost around 200-300 Lekë. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

  • Public Transport

    Gjirokastër has a public bus system with lines operating in the city. Check local bus routes for the line that connects to the historic center. From there, follow the walking directions to the castle. A single bus fare costs approximately 30 Lekë.

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Discover more about Muzeu i Armëve

Muzeu i Armëve, or the Weapons Museum, offers a compelling look into Albania's military past. Located within the Gjirokastër Castle, the museum's exhibits trace the evolution of weaponry in Albania from its independence in 1912 to the end of World War II. The museum is primarily dedicated to the Albanian Partisan's struggle against the Italian and German occupation between 1939 and 1944. The museum itself is located in a former prison constructed in 1932 by order of King Zog I. During WWII, occupying Italian and German forces used the prison. The Communist regime later expanded the prison to hold political prisoners. The prison was closed in 1968, and part of it was developed into the museum. Inside, visitors can view a range of historical armaments, war photographs, and weaponry used by Albanian partisans during World War II. The collection includes artillery pieces captured from the Italians and Germans. The museum also displays Albanian arms from the period of independence in 1912 through WWII. Writings on the walls include journals and letters of activists and communists imprisoned during King Zog's reign and WWII.

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