Best Tourist Places to Visit in Gjirokaster, Albania, Europe

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Gjirokaster, Albania, Europe

Gjirokaster is a World Heritage Site and the best example of the best preserved Ottoman town in the southern part of Albania country. It is the city and the largest district in Gjirokaster County located in the middle of Gjere Mountains and Drino River at an altitude of 300 meters (984 feet) above the sea level. Gjirokaster is home to Sunni Muslim populaces followed by Eastern Orthodox Christian. Agriculture, commercial and production of foodstuffs, leather and textiles are the major industries in the country.

Gjirokaster is surrounded by Tepelene, Lazarat, Devican, Delvine and Libohove and Tirana, capital of Albanian is located at the distance of 230 kilometers from Gjirokaster. Coordinates of Gjirokaster are 40.0667° N, 20.1333° E.

History of Gjirokaster:

As per the records, it is believed that the city of Gjirokaster was established by the Greek tribe of Chaonians and the wall surrounded the city dates back to 3^rd century AD. The city was ruled by Byzantine Emperor John VI Kantakouzenos until 1418. Ottoman Empire captured the city in 1417 and forts and mosques were constructed in and around the region and it became a county town in 1419 and was one of the developed towns with all the facilities in the region. After the fall of the pashalik in the year 1868, the city was the capital of sandjak. During the First Balkan War in 1912-1913, Greek captured the region due to the large Greek population in the city and in 1939 the city was captured by Italy.

Places to see in Gjirokaster:

Gjirokaster Castle:

Gjirokaster Castle is historical and geographical hub of the city situated at the top of the hill and the second largest castle in the Balkans and it is worth visiting the castle.

Armaments Museum:

Armaments Museum is situated at the top of the hill in Gjirokaster castle and the museum is one of the significant museums in the city which showcase the artifacts of the post war era like weapons, photographs and artwork and best places to know about the history and war of the city.

Zekate House:

Zekate House is the biggest houses of its class which has three stories stone building extend over two huge towers and situated in the historic Palorto quarter of the city and the prime attraction in the city visited by thousands of tourists throughout the year.

Saint Sotira Church:

Saint Sotira Church one of the 18^th century Orthodox Church which can be visited only on request situated in the old bazar quarter. The church is open every day between 7:00 to 7:30 am and 7 to 7:00 Pm.

Interesting Places to see in and around Gjirokaster:

Ethnographic Museum
Gjirokaster Mosque
Seven Fountains
Mechite Mosque Remains
Hamams
Sofratika
Kardhiqi
Paleokaster
Labove
Tepelena
Asim Zeneli

Weather in Gjirokaster:

Gjirokaster is served by Mediterranean climate with hot summer, cool winter and heavy rainfall and best time to visit Gjirokaster is from May to October.

Transportation to Gjirokaster:

By Road:

Gjirokaster is linked through SH4 which passes through the city and Furgon Station is the main bus station in the city which operates regional bus services and minibuses from where tourists can board buses to Tirana, Vlore, Fier, Berat, Tepelene, Korce, Permet, and Sarandë.

By Air:

Gjirokaster is served by Gjirokaster Airport situated few kilometers away from Gjirokaster city which handles domestic flights to travel within the country.

Accommodation in Gjirokaster:

Gjirokaster is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the country and thousands of tourists visit the city all through the year and there are hotels, guesthouses and home stay facilities in the city which provides stunning views of the historical city with facilities like 24-hour reception and checkout service, a hotel safe, currency exchange facility, a cloakroom, lift access, TV and cost from $ 20 to $ 100 and above per day. Some of the hotels in Gjirokaster are as follows: