Archaeological Park of Antigonea: City of Love
Discover Antigonea Archaeological Park near Gjirokastra: a city founded on love, offering ancient ruins and stunning views of the Drino Valley.
Explore the ruins of Antigonea, an ancient city in Albania founded in 295 BC by King Pyrrhus of Epirus, named after his wife Antigone. Discover Hellenistic-era remains, including city walls, streets, and an early Christian basilica, set amidst the stunning Drino Valley landscape. The city was destroyed in 167 BC by the Romans but remained a small settlement for centuries.
A brief summary to Archaeological Park of Antigonea
- Gjirokastër, 6017, AL
Local tips
- Wear comfortable walking shoes due to the uneven terrain.
- Bring water and snacks as facilities are limited within the park.
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning views and mosaics.
- Check for guided tours for in-depth historical context.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Gjirokastër's city center (Sheshi i Çamerisë), take a local bus or minibus towards the village of Saraqinishtë or Antigonea. Buses are available near the main square. Ask the driver to drop you off at the stop for Antigonea, approximately 15-20 minutes away. From there, follow the signs to the Archaeological Park, about a 10-minute walk. Bus fare is approximately 100-200 ALL.
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Taxi
From Gjirokastër, a taxi to the Archaeological Park of Antigonea takes about 20-30 minutes. Taxis are readily available in Gjirokastër, especially near the River Bridge (Ura e Lumit) and Bulevardi 18 Shtatori. A taxi ride will cost approximately 1500-2500 ALL. Confirm the fare before starting the journey.
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Car
From Gjirokastër, follow the signs towards Antigonea. Head east at the roundabout in lower Gjirokastra, where the bus station is located. After the bridge, take the first right and follow the paved road. After two villages, you will reach the hill of Jerma, where the ancient city is situated. The drive is approximately 14 km and takes about 30 minutes. Parking is available at the entrance.
Discover more about Archaeological Park of Antigonea
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