Gjirokastër

Gjirokastër is a picturesque city on a mountainside high above the Drino River. Evidence shows that already during the 13th century, Gjirokastër, then known by its Greek name of Αργυρόκαστρο, was a well-established town, but after the arrival of the Ottoman Turks in 1417 it started to decline. During Ottoman times, the city was called Ergiri Kasrı. In the 17th century it flourished once again, as a result of its bustling bazaar where local products were traded. The city was incorporated into Albania upon its independence in 1913.

Gjirokastër is dominated by the citadel, which was built in the 14th century and nowadays houses a museum of armaments. The museum exhibits captured artillery and memorabilia of the Communist resistance against German occupation during WWII. There is also a captured U.S.A.F. plane.
The citadel was enlarged during the 19th and 20th centuries. Currently there are 5 towers and a clock tower, as well as a church, several water fountains, horse stables and many other amenities. During communist times, the northern part of the citadel was a prison.

The old Ottoman bazaar was originally built in the 17th century, but it burnt down in the 19th century and was subsequently rebuilt. It is right in the center of town. The bazaar is dominated by the interesting Gjirokastër Mosque, which is also known as the Bazaar Mosque. It was built in 1757.

Right above the mosque is the Mëmëdheu ABC Monument, which was erected to commemorate the Renaissance of Albanian education at the end of the 19th century.

Also in Gjirokastër former communist leader Enver Hoxha's childhood home is located. It houses an Ethnographic Museum. In the lower town are the old Turkish Baths.

There are several hotels and restaurants in Gjirokastër. The city is in the south of Albania, 145 km south of Tiranë (Tirana), on the main highway between Tiranë and Saranda. Buses ply the route several times a day.

In 2005, the old town of Gjirokastër was inscribed into the UNESCO list of world heritage sites.

Hotels in Gjirokastër

Images

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