Gjirokaster Travel Guide

Gjirokastër is a UNESCO Ottoman Stone City (Stone City / Silver City) on a steep slope in southern Albania, best in spring (May–Jun) and autumn (Sep–Oct). Its uniqueness lies in the Ottoman mansions built entirely of stone — walls and roofs alike — like small fortresses, layered down the hillside with a cold, silvery, armor-like sheen. The old town's cobbled alleys are steep, and the stone mansions have exquisite woodcarvings (e.g., the Zekate House). The hilltop castle is among the largest in the Balkans, with a weapons museum and a Cold War aircraft in its arched galleries. This is Hoxha's birthplace and the city in Kadare's writings. You can combine it with the Blue Eye Spring. About 1.5 hours from Sarandë.