Gjirokastra: The Stone City

4.9 (37)

Explore Gjirokastra, Albania's Stone City: a UNESCO site with Ottoman architecture, a historic castle, and a vibrant bazaar.

Home
Albania
Gjirokaster
Girokastra

Gjirokastra, a UNESCO World Heritage site in southern Albania, is known as the 'Stone City' for its unique Ottoman-era architecture. Characterized by steep, cobbled streets and distinctive stone houses with grey slate roofs, it offers a glimpse into a rich cultural and historical past.

A brief summary to Girokastra

34FP+MX5, Gjirokaster, AL

Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes, as the city's streets are steep and cobbled.
Visit the Gjirokastra Castle for panoramic views and a glimpse into the city's history.
Explore the Old Bazaar for local crafts, souvenirs, and a taste of Albanian culture.
Consider visiting the Ethnographic Museum or Skenduli House to experience traditional Albanian life.
Take a tour of the Cold War Tunnel for a unique insight into Albania's communist past.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Xhamia e Pazarit

Xhamia e Pazarit: A Gjirokastër Landmark

Taverna Murgana

Taverna Murgana: A Taste of Tradition in Gjirokastër

Hotel Old Bazaar 1790

Hotel Old Bazaar 1790: A Gjirokastër Gem

Getting There

Walking

From the Old Bazaar, the Gjirokastra Castle is a steep uphill walk. Follow the cobbled streets leading away from the bazaar, heading towards the prominent castle. The walk takes approximately 15-20 minutes, but can be strenuous due to the incline. There is no fee to walk to the castle, but entrance to the castle grounds is 400 Lek. Additional fees apply for the Armaments Museum (200 Lek), prison (200 Lek) and Gjirokastra Museum (200 Lek).
Public Transport

If arriving in Gjirokastra by bus, you'll be dropped off in the new town, at the foot of the hill leading to the old town. A local bus (city bus) connects the new town with Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli in the old town for 30 Lek. From Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli, it is a short walk to the castle entrance.
Taxi

Taxis are available in Gjirokastra and can take you from the new town to the entrance of Gjirokastra Castle. A taxi ride from the bus station in the new town to the castle should cost approximately 300-500 Lek. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting the journey.

Discover more about Girokastra

Gjirokastra, nestled in the Drinos River Valley, is a captivating city that embodies Albania's rich history and unique architectural heritage. Known as the 'Stone City' (or 'City of 1000 Steps' ), its steep, winding streets are paved with limestone and shale, leading to impressive slate-roofed houses and a dominating castle. The city's origins trace back to the 13th century, with its architecture largely influenced by the Ottoman Empire.The heart of Gjirokastra is its Old Bazaar, a vibrant hub of local artisans and craftspeople. Here, visitors can find unique souvenirs, antiques, and traditional Albanian goods. The bazaar comes alive in the evening, with bright lights illuminating the colorful decor.Dominating the city's skyline is the Gjirokastra Castle, one of the largest in the Balkans. This historic fortress has witnessed centuries of history, serving as a military stronghold, a prison, and now a museum. Within its walls, visitors can explore the Gjirokastra Museum, which details the city's history, and a weapons museum showcasing artifacts from World War II. The castle also offers panoramic views of the Drinos Valley.Gjirokastra is also home to several well-preserved Ottoman houses, offering a glimpse into 19th-century Albanian life. These include the Ethnographic Museum, housed in the former birthplace of Enver Hoxha, Albania's communist leader, and the Skenduli House, offering guided tours by family members. For those interested in Albania's communist past, the Cold War Tunnel, a massive underground bunker, offers a unique and chilling experience.