Gjirokastër Castle

Castle and Museum in Gjirokastër

Gjirokastër Castle
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Emilio Poli

Gjirokastër Castle is a large 12th century castle that looks over the town of Gjirokastër, from its hilltop perch. The Ottoman’s renovated and built upon the castle and added a clock tower and aqueduct in the early 19 century.
In fact much of the castle that can be seen today dates back from the early 19th century.

The castle has a recent, dark history, as it was used as a prison first under the brief reign of King Zog I, and later during the communist regime.

Inside there’s an arms museum which holds a ragtag collection of aging 20th century tanks and an American fighter plane. There are also plenty of crumbling ruins to scramble around, and superb views over the valley.

There is a small field atop the castle roof is also now home to a concert pavilion that hosts festival style entertainment.


The Gjirokastër Castle appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Gjirokastër!

Other names of Gjirokastër Castle

The Gjirokastër Castle has the following names: Kalaja e Gjirokastrës or Kalaja e Argjirosë.

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Visiting Gjirokastër Castle

Hours:

April – September, Every Day 9:00- 18:00 October-March 9:00-17:00


Price:

400 lek

Address: Rruga Elvia Celebi Gjirokaster Albania
Duration: 1 hours

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