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.

Other names of Gjirokastër Castle

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