Cities and regions／Albania
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Gjirokastër

Gjirokastër rises along a hillside where the old bazaar, tower houses and fortress reveal how trade, domestic life and defense were intertwined. Its stone lanes and steep streets are best explored at an unhurried pace.

Stone roofs and historic houses of Gjirokastër above the Drino Valley.
Photo by ich Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0
The place

What makes it special

  • The old bazaar and its stone lanes.
  • Zekate and Skënduli tower houses, offering different views of their interiors.
  • The fortress and its traces of several historical periods.
Stone façade and towers of Zekate House in Gjirokastër.
Photo by Pudelek Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0
Gjirokastër
Photo by Name: Armin Flickr: flickr.com/octopuzz/ Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 2.0
Travel atlas

Articles in Gjirokastër

Guides to this place

1 article

Gjirokastër

journal.travel Editorial

Guides to this place

1 related guides

Stone roofs and historic houses of Gjirokastër above the Drino Valley.

Gjirokastër from the Bazaar to the Tower Houses and Fortress

A walking route through Gjirokastër to understand its tower houses, bazaar and fortress, with practical attention to steep slopes, cobblestones and changing opening hours.

Read guide →
Information in context

Sources and references

This profile summarises our destination guides. Their research sources and the geographical reference are listed below.

Profile updated: 28/09/2026