Cities and regions／Albania
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Gjirokastër

Gjirokastër rises along a hillside where the old bazaar, tower houses and fortress reveal the links between trade, domestic life and defense. 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

  • Walk through the old bazaar and its stone lanes.
  • Visit a tower house: Zekate is notable for its architecture, while Skënduli offers a look at the interiors.
  • Explore the fortress and traces of different 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.

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Information in context

Sources and references

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

Profile updated: 09/10/2026