Argjiround Guide Tour

Promoting Gjirokastra

Come in Gjirokastra

Delve into history. Explore the magical UNESCO World Heritage stone city of Albania.

Explore Attractions

The Best Attractions

Argjiro's Castle of Gjirokastra

Also known as the castle of princess Argjiro, Gjirokastra's castle is one of the biggest castle on Balkan Peninsula. with a ful-panoramic view of Drino Valley it is settled on a very strategic location, at the same time very impressive. Dating back since the ancient times, it had become the symbol of Gjirokastra, especially its clock tower.

Ethnographic Museum

The house where the ex-dictator of the communism era, Enver Hoxha, was born is one of the best attractions you can find in this city. This house is turned today into an ethnographic museum, where you can learn not just the dark part of the communism oppression but also the culture of the region.

Zekate House

One of the largest stone-tower houses in Gjirokastra, built in 1812, is one of the best examples of traditional Ottoman architecture of the Tulip Era. It has two big towers and a grand guest room with painted walls and decorated ceilings. From the balconies, you can see a wonderful view of the whole city. The family today has turned this masterpiece into museum for all the visitors.

Ismail Kadare House

Located in Palorto neighbourhood, Kadare House is the birthplace of Albania's most famous writer, Ismail Kadare (1936-2024). Rebuilt after a fire, this traditional Ottoman stone mansion now serves as a museum dedicated to the author's famous novels, personal life, and literary heritage. A great house for a great person of the Albanian literature.

Fico's House

The Fico's House is a traditional building that shows how Gjirokastra’s old architecture could co-exist with the modern western architecture of the 20th century. It was built at 1902. Its elegant yellow painted walls and wooden islamic details make it a lovely stop for history and architeture enthusiasts.

Ruins of Meçite's Hamam and Mosque

Located in the Hazmurat-Meçite neighborhood, the mosque was built in the 17th century but was unfortunately destroyed during the communist period. Today, a modern house stands where the mosque used to be, but you can still see the original ruins of its minaret. An old Hamam (Turkish bath-house) was next to the mosque.

Seven Water Springs

Settled between the Meçite's mosque and hamam, the Seven Water Springs were the source of life for Gjirokastra. In the past, the people of the city went in there to fill their jars with the water for their daily life. Also, people used this running water to wash themselves before they went inside the mosque to pray. These ruins show visitors the importance of water.

Çerçiz Topulli Square

Çerçiz Topulli Square is the lively heart of Gjirokastër, named after a famous city's hero. This agora-like bustling square connects the historic Old Bazaar with the Municipality and the rest of the city. It is the perfect place to enjoy coffee with a piece of cake.

My Muse Musine Kokalari Museum

This memorial honors Musine Kokalari, one of Albania’s first female writers and a brave political dissident. Located near her family home, the museum tells the story of her intellectual achievements and her tragic persecution by the brutal communist regime for defending democratic ideas.

Cold War Tunnel

The Cold War Tunnel is a massive underground bunker built in the 1970s. Located behind the Municipality and going under the castle, it has nearly 80 rooms designed to protect the communist administration emploees. Visitors can explore the long, narrow corridors and feel the paranoiac atmosphere of Albania’s communist regime.

The Old Bazaar

A more than 300 years old market place under the mighty castle and in the heart of Gjirokastra. Experience the delightful local culture, shop with authentic handmade crafts, and taste traditional culinary and walk in the bustling historic cobbledstone.

Palorto Neighbourhood

Palorto, one of the olddest neighbourhoods of Gjirokastra and the most important one on the whole Albanian history is the place of many old traditional ottoman-style houses and museums. This is the neighbourhood of Ismail Kadare, Musine Kokalari, Enver Hoxha and Rauf Fico, some of the most important people and contry leaders in different periods.

Ali Pasha's Bridge

Ali Pasha Bridge is a stunning 19th-century bridge part of the aqueduct ruins hidden in the mountains on top of Dunavat neighbourhood. Built to bring water to the castle, it offers beautiful views. It is a fantastic spot for nature lovers and hikers who want to explore Gjirokastra's nature.

Skënduli's House

The Skënduli House is another amazing Ottoman-style of Tulip Era stone house in Gjirokastra, built in 1823. It is very close to the Ethnographic Museum. This house is special because it is unchanged since it built. A member of the Skenduli family always guides visitors, sharing fascinating stories about how their ancestors lived.

Icons of Gjirokastra

Çerçiz Topulli

Hero of Gjirokastra
(1880-1915)

Çerçiz Topulli was a legendary national hero and guerrilla fighter born in Gjirokastra. He fought bravely against Ottoman Empire in the early 1900s for Albanian independence. His monument stands proudly today in the main square that keeps also his name.

Ismail Kadare

World-Renowned Author
(1936-2024)

>One of Europe's greatest modern writers. His birthplace house in the Palorto neighborhood is now a public museum glorifying his magical-realist literature, which often mirrored the stone architecture of Gjirokastra like the book "Chronicle on Stone".

Ali Pasha Tepelana

The Lion of Ioannina
(1743-1822)

Ali Pasha, known as the "The Lion of Janina," was a powerful and ambitious Ottoman governor in the early 19th century. He ruled a massive, semi-independent territory from Tepelena to Greece, using clever diplomacy, heavy taxation, and absolute military strength.

Rauf Fico

First Foreing Affairs Minister
(1881-1944)

Rauf Fico was an important Albanian diplomat and politician in the early 20th century. Born to a prominent Gjirokastra family, he served as a government minister and ambassador. He played a major role in modernizing Albania and strengthening its international relations.

Gjin Zenebishti

Byzantine Sebastokrator and Prince of Gjirokastra
(???-1418)

Gjin Zenebishi was a powerful 14th-century Albanian nobleman who ruled the region around Gjirokastra. He bravely led local forces against Ottoman invasion. His legacy is tied to the early defense of the region of Epirus and the history of Gjirokastra's Castle.

Enver Hoxha

Communist Dictator of Albania
(1908-1985)

Enver Hoxha was the dictator who ruled Albania with an iron fist for about forty years. His communist regime completely isolated the country, banned religion, started an war of society classes and built hundreds of thousands of concrete bunkers, leaving a dark and painful legacy.

Pyrrhus of Epirus

The King in search of Glory
(319BC-272BC)

King Pyrrhus of Epirus was one of the ancient world's most famous military commanders kings. A fierce rival of Rome, his costly victories gave birth to the phrase "Pyrrhic victory." He founded the ancient city of Antigonea in Drino Valley named after his wife.

Musine Kokalari

First Woman Writer
(1917-1983)

Musine Kokalari was one of Albania’s first female writers and a courageous political activist. She co-founded a democratic party but was brutally imprisoned and persecuted by the communist regime. Today, she is honored as a heroic symbol of free speech and democracy.

Eqrem Çabej

Master Linguist and Albanologist
(1908-1980)

Eqrem Çabej was a brilliant linguist and scholar who became one of Albania’s most respected intellectuals. Born in Gjirokastra, he dedicated his life to studying the origins of the Albanian language and culture, proving its ancient roots on the Balkan peninsula.

Cities to visit near Gjirokastra

Përmet, the city over Vjosa river

Known as the "City of Roses," Përmet is well-known for its peaceful atmosphere, traditional polyphonic music, and delicious local sweets called gliko. Settled over Vjosa River, it is the perfect base for exploring nearby thermal springs of Bënja, historic churches, and beautiful national parks.

Tepelena, the city between winds

Tepelena is a historic town dramatically positioned above the Vjosa River. Famous as the home of the powerful 19th-century ruler Ali Pasha, it features an impressive castle and rugged mountain landscapes. Today, it is a key point for outdoor adventures like rafting and canyoning.

Ioannina, the center of Epirus region

Located in Greece, Ioannina is a historic lakeside city with a charming, walled old town and a grand castle. Influenced by centuries of Byzantine and Ottoman rule, it is famous for its beautiful lake island, traditional silver jewelry, and lively modern student atmosphere.

Saranda, the city of Ionnian Sea blue water

Saranda is a vibrant coastal city located on the beautiful Ionian Riviera, right across from Corfu. Known for its sunny weather, busy promenade, and exciting nightlife, it serves as the perfect base for visiting the stunning Ksamil islands and the ancient ruins of Butrint.

Zagoria and Lunxhëria's pastorial life

This breath-taking highland region is famous for its wild nature, panoramic mountains, and greenish valleys. Çajupi peaceful pasture where sheep sleeps, Zagoria villages, where eagles fly and Lunxhëria's region where tradition blooms are the perfect place for a peaceful village weekend.

Butrinti ruins

Butrint is a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site located near Saranda. It features 2,500 years of history, showing Greek, Illyrian, Troyan, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian ruins. Highlights include a beautifully preserved ancient theater and an early Christian baptistery, all surrounded by peaceful woodland and water.

Antient city of Antigonea

Antigonea is an ancient archaeological park founded in the 3rd century BC by King Pyrrhus. Named after his wife, the city features impressive stone ruins, ancient city walls, and a beautiful mosaic. It offers a peaceful walk through history with stunning mountain views.

Antient city of Hadrianopolis of Epirus

Hadrianopoli is a Roman archaeological site located in the Drino valley. The highlight is a well-preserved 2nd-century AD theater that once held thousands of spectators. It is a hidden historical gem that shows the deep Roman influence in the region and there are still more than 70% undiscovered parts yet.

Bënja thermal wates

Located near Përmet, these natural thermal springs are famous for their healing abilities. Situated in Langarica Canyon next to an ancient Ottoman stone bridge, the warm, waters rich in sulfur are perfect for relaxing while enjoying the spectacular wild landscape.