Information
City: GjirokasterCountry: Albania
Continent: Europe
Gjirokaster, Albania, Europe
Overview
Gjirokastër, known as the “City of Stone,” sits in southern Albania, its hillside packed with gray slate roofs, and it’s proudly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Famous for its unique Ottoman-era buildings and rich history, it clings to the steep slopes of the Mali i Gjerë range, where white stone walls catch the afternoon sun.The city mixes bustling markets, centuries-old landmarks, and striking architecture into one unforgettable experience.Gjirokastër lies in the Drino River valley of southern Albania, about 230 kilometers south of Tirana and just a short drive from the Greek border, its stone houses tucked between the Mali i Gjerë mountains and the fertile plain below, where olive trees shimmer in the summer heat; with a Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers reaching up to 35°C and mild, wet winters, the city’s story stretches from Bronze Age settlements and its Byzantine and Ottoman fortresses to its role in Albania’s independence, giving its 20,000 residents-mostly ethnic Albanians with a notable Greek minority-a rich cultural identity expressed in two languages, a blend of Islam and Orthodox Christianity, UNESCO-listed architecture, lively bazaars, traditional crafts, and foods like herb-scented qifqi, all set against a landscape of cobblestone streets, mountain trails, and nearby wonders like the vivid Blue Eye spring.It’s a vivid reminder of Albania’s deep roots and enduring spirit, giving visitors a true taste of its history and the vibrant life you can still hear in the marketplace today.
Landmarks in Gjirokaster
