Cities and regions／Albania
Place of interest ·

Gjirokastër Fortress

Gjirokastër Fortress stands high above the Drino valley. Its walls and courtyards hold traces of different periods, including an arms museum, remains of a communist-era prison and an aircraft associated with the Cold War.

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

  • Walls, courtyards and views from its elevated position.
  • The arms museum and traces of several periods.
  • Remains of a communist-era prison and an aircraft linked to the Cold War.
Stone façade and towers of Zekate House in Gjirokastër.
Photo by Pudelek Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0
Gjirokastër Fortress
Photo by ShkelzenRexha Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0
Travel atlas

Articles in Gjirokastër Fortress

Guides to this place

1 article

Gjirokastër Fortress

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