Self-guided Walking Tour of Gjirokastër (2025)

Gjirokastër Castle is the city’s most iconic landmark, towering above the Old Town and offering panoramic views of the surrounding valley. Originally constructed in the 12th century and expanded under Ottoman rule, the fortress has served as a defensive stronghold, a military base, and a political center over the centuries. Its massive stone walls and imposing towers make it an unforgettable starting point for any walking tour of the city.

Inside the castle, visitors can explore its courtyards, ramparts, and several museums. Exhibits include traditional weaponry, historical artifacts, and displays that recount the city’s strategic importance throughout Albanian history. The castle grounds provide ample opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship of the stone masonry and the scale of fortifications designed to withstand centuries of conflict.

The castle also houses the Cold War Tunnel and the National Museum of Armaments, offering a glimpse into more recent history. The tunnel, built in the 1960s for local authorities during the communist era, remains largely as it was left, with labeled rooms indicating offices, bedrooms, classrooms, and even a courtroom. Exploring these areas provides a striking contrast to the medieval architecture and helps visitors understand the full scope of Gjirokastër’s historical significance.

The Cold War Tunnel is a unique attraction hidden beneath Gjirokastër Castle, constructed during the 1960s under the rule of Enver Hoxha. Built in secret, the tunnel was designed to house the city’s party elite in case of a nuclear attack or full-scale invasion, remaining unknown to locals until the 1990s. Its existence provides a rare glimpse into the paranoid measures of Albania’s communist past.

Visitors can explore 59 preserved rooms on a guided 20-minute tour, seeing how each space was designated for a specific purpose, including offices, bedrooms, classrooms, and even a small courtroom. The layout reflects the meticulous planning and secrecy of the era, giving a sense of the claustrophobic conditions the tunnel was meant to accommodate.

Located within the castle grounds, the tunnel is easily accessible after exploring the main fortress areas. Its eerie, narrow corridors and preserved furnishings provide a stark contrast to the open courtyards and stone towers above, offering an unforgettable historical experience that highlights Albania’s Cold War history.

After descending from the castle, the Old Bazaar is the natural next stop on a walking tour. Established in the 17th century, this bustling area was historically the commercial heart of the city, where merchants, artisans, and locals conducted trade. Today, it is a lively network of cobbled streets lined with shops, artisan workshops, and traditional cafés, preserving the atmosphere of a thriving market from centuries past.

The Old Bazaar is also an ideal place to experience Gjirokastër’s cultural life. Visitors can browse local crafts, handmade textiles, and souvenirs, as well as enjoy regional foods at small eateries tucked into the winding alleys. The market retains much of its original layout, with narrow lanes, archways, and stone walls that give a sense of stepping back in time.

As you wander through the bazaar, you’ll notice the influence of Ottoman architecture in the surrounding houses and public spaces. This area serves as a hub connecting the castle to the residential quarter, making it a natural route for continuing the walking tour toward historic homes and museums.

Ismail Kadare’s House is a cultural highlight of the Old Town, celebrating the life and work of Albania’s most internationally renowned writer. Born in 1936 in this house, Kadare grew up surrounded by the stone architecture and historic streets of Gjirokastër, which inspired much of his literary work. Today, the house has been partially restored and features exhibitions related to the writer’s life, manuscripts, and achievements.

Visiting the house allows guests to connect with Albania’s literary heritage, exploring personal artifacts and understanding the environment that shaped Kadare’s perspectives. The building itself, like many in Gjirokastër, is a testament to traditional stone construction with characteristic wooden balconies and tiled roofs.

The house is centrally located in the Old Town, making it easy to include on a walking route after exploring the bazaar. A visit here provides a quiet, reflective contrast to the bustling streets and connects the city’s architectural history to its rich cultural and intellectual life.

The Gjirokastër Ethnographic Museum is housed in a beautifully preserved Ottoman-era residence, offering an in-depth look at the daily life, crafts, and traditions of the region. The museum’s exhibits include traditional costumes, household items, tools, and artifacts that illustrate the customs of southern Albania over several centuries.

Visitors can walk through the rooms as they were historically arranged, gaining insight into domestic life, social customs, and artisanal practices. The museum also highlights the role of women in Gjirokastër society and the development of local trades and crafts, making it both educational and culturally enriching.

Situated near other historic homes like Skenduli and Zekate House, the Ethnographic Museum fits naturally into a walking tour route through the Old Town. Its proximity allows visitors to experience the daily life of past generations while remaining immersed in the city’s historic architecture.

Skenduli House is one of Gjirokastër’s finest examples of traditional Ottoman-era residential architecture. Built in the 18th century by a wealthy local family, the house features fortified stone walls, intricately carved wooden ceilings, and multiple levels designed for both defense and comfort. Its layout reflects the social status of its original owners and the domestic life of Gjirokastër’s elite during the Ottoman period.

Inside, visitors can admire the craftsmanship of wooden doors, ceilings, and furniture, as well as period-appropriate décor that provides insight into 18th-century life. The house’s design emphasizes both security and aesthetic appeal, with narrow staircases, small windows, and elaborately decorated interiors.

Located within walking distance of the Old Bazaar, Skenduli House is a natural stop for anyone exploring Gjirokastër’s residential quarter. Its preservation allows visitors to step inside history and experience firsthand the domestic architecture that complements the city’s defensive and cultural landmarks.

Zekate House is another prime example of Gjirokastër’s fortified Ottoman homes, built in the late 18th century for a wealthy merchant family. The house is known for its impressive stone construction, symmetrical layout, and dual balconies that provide stunning views over the city and valley below. Its fortified design illustrates how families combined comfort with security during turbulent times.

Inside, visitors can explore the intricately decorated rooms, wooden ceilings, and period furnishings. The house also demonstrates traditional domestic organization, including reception rooms, private quarters, and defensive features like narrow staircases and concealed passages.

Zekate House is ideally located within the Old Town, making it easy to include on a walking tour following the Ethnographic Museum. Together with Skenduli House and other historic residences, it provides a vivid picture of the wealth, culture, and architectural style of Gjirokastër’s Ottoman-era elite.

The Ali Pasha Bridge is an optional extension to the walking tour and provides a scenic and historical conclusion for those who wish to explore a little further. Built during the Ottoman period, the bridge was part of the road network that connected the city with surrounding regions, facilitating trade and communication. Its stone arches and classic design make it a photogenic and historically significant landmark.

Visitors can stroll across the bridge and enjoy views of the Drino River valley, observing the contrast between the city’s stone architecture and the natural landscape. The bridge also serves as a reminder of Gjirokastër’s strategic importance and the influence of regional leaders such as Ali Pasha of Tepelena.

As a final stop on a walking route, the bridge provides a quiet and reflective moment after exploring the bustling streets, historic homes, and cultural institutions of the Old Town. It encapsulates the blend of history, architecture, and landscape that defines Gjirokastër.