Gjirokastër

Gjirokastër is a city in southern Albania, serving as the administrative center of Gjirokastër County. It sits in the Drino valley on the slopes of a hill, where the town’s layout climbs upward from the river toward a dominating hilltop fortress. The surrounding area is known for its rural landscape and traditional architecture.

The historic centre of Gjirokastër, including the Gjirokastër Fortress and the collection of Ottoman-era houses, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. The site is celebrated for its well-preserved urban landscape, which reflects centuries of occupation and cultural exchange in the Balkans, and for its views of the fortress rising above the walled old town.

Architecture and landmarks define the city. The old town is characterized by stone houses known as kullas, many built with multiple stories along steep, narrow streets and stairways. Key landmarks include the Gjirokastër Fortress, a hilltop complex dating from the medieval period, and the Zekate House, a notable 17th-century tower house. The Ethnographic Museum is housed in an 18th-century residence and offers insights into traditional life in the region. The historic bazaar area preserves craft shops and urban life from the Ottoman era.

Gjirokastër is the birthplace of the renowned Albanian writer Ismail Kadare, whose work is closely associated with the city’s cultural heritage. The combination of formidable fortress, hillside stone architecture, and preserved urban fabric makes Gjirokastër a prominent example of a well-preserved Ottoman town in the Balkans.