Rruga Palorto, Tepelenë Travel Guide

Gjirokastër, or Gjirokastra, enchants visitors with its almost fabulously steep alleys and buildings that narrate history in stone. Situated on the slopes of the Drino River valley, the city boasts a strategic position and a landscape steeped in history. This 'city of a thousand staircases' features hundreds of Ottoman-style tower houses with stone roofs, wooden balconies, and robust stone walls.The city's origins trace back to the 4th century AD with the construction of Gjirokastër Castle, also known as Argjiro Castle, the city's most prominent structure and Albania's largest castle. First documented in 1336 under its Greek name, Argyrokastro, the city has been influenced by Greek, Byzantine, Albanian, Ottoman, and Sufi cultures throughout its history. During the Ottoman era, Gjirokastër became a significant center for Bektashi Sufism and witnessed widespread conversion to Islam. The city flourished in the 1800s, marked by the construction of monumental houses. Today, many of these tower houses have been transformed into museums or guesthouses, providing insights into life in this bustling merchant town during Ottoman rule.Gjirokastër is also the birthplace of former Albanian communist leader Enver Hoxha and the renowned writer Ismail Kadare. Hoxha's regime designated the city a 'Museum City,' safeguarding it from destruction during the Communist era. The city's historical significance, combined with its unique architecture and cultural heritage, makes it a must-see destination in Albania.