Rruga Sokaku i te Mareve: Gjirokastër's Street of Legends
Discover the enchanting Rruga Sokaku i te Mareve in Gjirokastër, a historic street filled with legends and Ottoman-era charm. A must-see UNESCO site!
Rruga Sokaku i te Mareve, or the "Street of the Mad," is a small, historic cobbled street in Gjirokastër's old town, Albania, made famous by the books of Ismail Kadare. Its name and legends add to the unique atmosphere of Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Ottoman architecture and rich history.
A brief summary to Rruga Sokaku i te Mareve
- Gjirokastër, AL
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes as the cobbled streets can be uneven and steep.
- Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
- Explore the nearby Gjirokastër Castle for panoramic views of the city.
- Try the local dish 'qifqi' at a traditional restaurant for an authentic taste of Gjirokastër.
Getting There
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Walking
From the center of Gjirokastër, head towards the main street, Rruga Ismail Qemali. Walk along this street until you reach the large clock tower, a prominent landmark. Continue past the clock tower, and at the next intersection, take a left turn onto Rruga Sokaku i te Mareve. Follow this road straight for about 500 meters. You will know you are getting close when you see local shops and cafes lining the street. Look for the designated signs or ask locals for directions if needed.
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Public Transport
If you are at the Gjirokastër Bus Station, exit the station and head towards Rruga Ismail Qemali which is directly in front of you. You can find local buses or shared taxis that head towards the city center. Get off at the clock tower stop, then follow the directions provided before, turning left onto Rruga Sokaku i te Mareve. A local bus ride within the city costs approximately 30 Lekë.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Gjirokastër. From the bus station or the city center, a short taxi ride to Rruga Sokaku i te Mareve will cost approximately 300-500 Lekë. Ensure the driver is aware of the destination, as the street is located in the old town.
Discover more about Rruga Sokaku i te Mareve
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Shtepia e Ficove Gjirokaster
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Palorto Hotel
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Kore Guest House
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Silver Hill Guesthouse
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Girokastra
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Gjirokastër Obelisk
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Hotel Old Bazaar 1790
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Hotel Old Bazaar 1970
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Hangover Cocktail Bar
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Submarine 105
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Xhamia e Pazarit
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Old town
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Bukowksi Bar Gjirokaster
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Taverna Murgana
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Gjirokastra Bazaar
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Unmissable attractions to see
GJIROKASTER, Skënduli House
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Skënduli House
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Rruga Palorto
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Ismail Kadare's House
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Ethnographic Museum
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Qafa e Pazarit
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Zekate house & outdoor cozy bar
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Nostagia Tunnel
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Caravan Horse Riding Albania
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The cold war tunnel
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Tunel
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Castle of Gjirokastra
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View point
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Muzeu i Armëve
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Gjirokastër Museum
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Essential places to dine
ETNO
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Rumors Restaurant Lounge
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Taverna Kuka
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Rrapi Restaurant
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Kujtimi Restaurant
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Bon Appetit
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SIMPLE RESTAURANT
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Checkin-Restaurant & Pizzeri
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Restorant La Famiglia
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FOCUS RESTAURANT
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Grill House 13
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Restaurant Gjoça Tradicional
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Furra Restaurant & Rooms
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Sofra Bar Restaurant
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Restorant Kufoi
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Antigonea 2000
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Pirpiri
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Antique Shop
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Fast Food Sara
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Mano handmade
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SOUVENIR AL KETA
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Take a memory
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Kodra Sweet hill
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Souvenir Gjirokastra
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Tobacco One
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Mini market Pazar
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Handmade Eva
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Alma Souvenir
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Aquila Liquori A&N GLAUK
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Lulu’s Spot
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Babameto 2 - Cocktail Bar & Restaurant
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Gallery Irish Pub
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Komiteti Bar - Gjirokastër
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Bar cafe çoçoli
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Bar Cafè Kotoni
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The Black Rose Pub
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O’clock
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Old Town 13
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Grey Stone Bar
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Kastro bar
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Bar Center
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Bar Shtaka
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Oazi Bar
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Bar Restorant Gjirokaster Rapi
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Bar
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