Gjirokastër Castle

The castle stretches over 600 m along the hilltop ridge. Massive gray limestone walls encompass five towers, a clock tower, two tekke (religious structures), a water cistern, and a gunpowder magazine. The clock tower on the eastern corner is the most recognizable element of the city's skyline, visible from anywhere in the old town. The fortress walls offer panoramic views of the Drino Valley, the Gjerë Mountains, and the stone rooftops below.

Inside the castle, several zones await. The main gallery displays World War II artillery: cannons and tanks captured from Italian and German forces. At the end of the gallery is the entrance to the Gjirokastër Museum (opened 2012), housing artifacts from the Bronze Age to the present. A separate Museum of Armaments occupies the former prison wing. On the upper terrace sits an American Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star military jet that landed in Tirana in 1957 and was brought here in the 1970s as a Cold War exhibit.

The fortress terrace features a stage for the National Folk Festival, held every five years. Beneath the castle lies a network of communist-era tunnels and bunkers (separate entrance from Çerçiz Topulli Square). In warmer months, a small bar operates inside the ramparts.

Scale – over 600 m long with five defensive towers, one of the largest fortresses in the Balkans

Clock tower – built by Ali Pasha of Tepelena in 1811–1812, used to signal the five daily prayer times

Gjirokastër Museum – opened in 2012, artifacts spanning from the Bronze Age to modern times, one of Albania's most modern museums

Cold War aircraft – American Lockheed T-33 that landed in Tirana in 1957, displayed as a trophy on the upper terrace

Folk Festival – the National Folklore Festival has been held on the castle grounds every 5 years since 1968

Prison – used under King Zog I (from 1932) and during the communist regime for political prisoners

The earliest settlements on the hill date to the Stone Age, with the first fortifications built during the Hellenistic period (4th–5th century BC). The stone castle was constructed by the Despots of Epirus in the 12th–13th centuries as a defensive position above the Drino Valley. The name "Gjirokastër" first appears in a 1336 document by John Kantakouzenos. In 1417 the fortress fell to the Ottomans after a prolonged siege. Sultan Bayezid II expanded and reinforced the walls in the late 15th century. The most extensive reconstruction was carried out by Ali Pasha of Tepelena after 1812: he added the clock tower, a southwestern extension, and a 12 km aqueduct bringing water from the mountains.

In the 1930s, King Zog I converted part of the castle into a prison, which continued to hold political prisoners throughout the communist era. During both World Wars, the fortress served as a civilian shelter during air raids. The prison closed after 1968, when the first National Folk Festival was held on the grounds. A major restoration in 2008–2012 by the Gjirokastra Foundation cleared overgrowth, reinforced walls, and created the modern museum exhibition. The project was shortlisted for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.

From Tirana (227 km, 3.5–4 hours):

– Bus: departures from 05:00 to 20:30, about 11 daily, 1,200 ALL (~€12 / $13) per person, cash only to the driver

– Taxi: 14,000–18,000 ALL (€140–180)

– Rental car: from €20–25/day + fuel

From Sarandë (55 km, 1–1.5 hours):

– Bus: 2 daily departures (11:30 and 13:00), return only mornings (08:00 and 09:00)

– Taxi: approximately 3,000–4,000 ALL (€30–40)

On-site:

From Gjirokastër bus station to the castle – 30–40 minutes uphill on foot through the Old Bazaar. Taxi from the bus station to the castle – 300–500 ALL (€3–5), 10 minutes. Limited parking at the castle.

Season: Best time is April–June and September–October. Mild weather, fewer tourists. Summer (July–August) is hot, and the castle has little shade. The castle is open in winter but with reduced hours.

Time of day: Arrive at opening (09:00) for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. Sunset light is beautiful but museums may close earlier.

Duration: 2–3 hours for the castle and museums. Adding the Old Bazaar and Old Town requires a full day.

Avoid: Mondays (museum closed). Peak midday heat in summer (12:00–15:00).