Complete Travel Guide to Gjirokastër, Albania

Gjirokastër Gjirokastër is a city in southern Albania and the seat of Gjirokastër County and Gjirokastër Municipality. It is located in a valley between the Gjerë mountains and the Drino, at 300 metres above sea level. Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is overlooked by Gjirokastër Fortress, where the Gjirokastër National Folk Festival is held every five years. It is the birthplace of former Albanian communist leader Enver Hoxha, and author Ismail Kadare. As a municipal center, Gjirokastër serves as an important administrative and economic hub for the surrounding region, providing essential services and infrastructure that support both urban and rural communities. The strategic location of Gjirokastër within Gjirokastër County positions it as a key connector between regional centers and local communities, facilitating economic development and cultural exchange. Positioned at coordinates 40.07583°N, 20.13889°E, Gjirokastër occupies a geographically significant location that has influenced its historical development and contemporary importance. The precise geographic coordinates of Gjirokastër place it within a region characterized by diverse landscapes and strategic transportation routes that have shaped settlement patterns for centuries. At an elevation of 190.0 meters above sea level, Gjirokastër benefits from unique topographic advantages that influence local climate, agriculture, and scenic beauty. The elevation of Gjirokastër creates distinctive environmental conditions that support specific ecosystems and agricultural practices while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Home to 19836 residents, Gjirokastër maintains a community scale that balances urban amenities with traditional social structures and cultural continuity. The population of Gjirokastër represents a diverse community that has adapted to changing circumstances while preserving essential cultural traditions and local knowledge. Community life in Gjirokastër reflects the resilience and adaptability that characterize populations throughout Albania, demonstrating successful integration of traditional values with contemporary opportunities. Within the broader context of Gjirokastër province, Gjirokastër contributes to the cultural and economic diversity that defines Albania's regional character. The role of Gjirokastër in regional development extends beyond its municipal boundaries, encompassing influences on transportation networks, economic activities, and cultural preservation efforts. Visitors to Gjirokastër discover a destination that embodies the authentic character of Albania while offering unique local perspectives and experiences unavailable in more commercialized locations.

Historical Heritage of Gjirokastër

History #Early history The Phrygian period of the region spanned from around 1150 BCE to around 850 BCE Hammond argues that the region was checkered with a mosaic of small Phrygian principalities, with the principality of Gjirokastër and the surrounding region having its center at Vodhinë.

In the later part of the period, it appears there was a change of dynasty at Vodhine Archaeologists have found pottery artifacts dating to the early Iron Age, crafted in a style that first appeared in the late Bronze Age in Pazhok, Elbasan County, and is found throughout Albania.

The earliest recorded inhabitants of the area around Gjirokastër were the ancient Greek tribe of the Chaonians, which belonged to the Epirote group In antiquity the local urban centre was located in Antigonia, c 5 kilometres (3 mi) from modern Gjirokastër on the opposite bank of river Drino.

#Medieval period Ottoman architecture characterizes the historical city center The Ottoman period significantly influenced the architectural and cultural development of Gjirokastër, leaving lasting impacts on local traditions and urban planning Gjirokastër first developed on the hill where the castle of the city is located in the Middle Ages.

The first fortification dates to the 5th-6th centuries CE during the period of Slavic migrations to the Balkans It was expanded in the 9th-10th centuries, while the first signs of actual settlement medieval urban development in the castle area date to the 13th-14th centuries.

Medieval developments in Gjirokastër created the framework for modern community organization and cultural identity During this period, Gjirokastër developed into a center known in medieval sources as _Argyropolis_ (Medieval Greek: Ἀργυρόπολις, meaning "Silver City") or _Argyrokastron_ (Medieval Greek: Ἀργυρόκαστρον, meaning "Silver Castle").

Medieval developments in Gjirokastër created the framework for modern community organization and cultural identity The city was part of the Despotate of Epirus and was first mentioned by the name _Argyrokastro_ by John VI Kantakouzenos in 1336 That year Argyrokastro was among the cities that remained loyal to the Byzantine Emperor during a local Epirote rebellion in favour to Nikephoros II Orsini.

Teqe Mosque The Albanian Zenebishi clan, which held Gjirokastër by the end of the century, is first mentioned in 1304 as land holders in the Angevin holdings in Albania, possibly in the southern coastal area Laonikos Chalkokondyles mentions that in the era before 1336, Albanian clans from the area of Durrës marched southwards and took control of most areas in Gjirokastër.

In this era, the city was contested between the Italian and Serbian rulers which claimed the Despotate of Epirus with occasional Ottoman support and the Zenebishi clan under Gjon Zenebishi The Ottoman period significantly influenced the architectural and cultural development of Gjirokastër, leaving lasting impacts on local traditions and urban planning.

In 1399, the Italian ruler of Ioannina, Esau de' Buondelmonti who was allied to the Ottomans, gathered an army made up of troops from Ioannina, Zagori, Dryinoupolis and Gjirokastër and the Mazaraki and Malakasi clans and marched against Gjon Zenebishi.

The Ottoman period significantly influenced the architectural and cultural development of Gjirokastër, leaving lasting impacts on local traditions and urban planning He was ambushed, defeated and captured along with other lords from Ioannina by Zenebishi near Dhivër.

The victory secured the city of Gjirokastër for Gjon Zenebishi and it became his capital In 1417 Gjon Zenebishi died and was succeeded by his son Simon as lord of Gjirokastër in early 1418.

The historical trajectory of Gjirokastër demonstrates the complex interplay between local agency and external influences that has characterized regional development throughout successive historical periods. Understanding this historical context provides essential background for appreciating the depth and authenticity of contemporary cultural expressions.

Historical preservation efforts in Gjirokastër reflect community commitment to maintaining connections with ancestral heritage while adapting to contemporary circumstances. These preservation activities create opportunities for visitors to experience authentic historical environments and traditional practices.

The legacy of historical development in Gjirokastër remains visible in architectural styles, urban planning patterns, cultural traditions, and social organizations that provide continuity between past and present while supporting future community development.

Geographic Environment and Natural Setting

Geography The present municipality was formed at the 2015 local government reform by the merger of the former municipalities of Antigonë, Cepo, Gjirokastër, Lazarat, Lunxhëri, Odrie and Picar, that became municipal units. The seat of the municipality is the town Gjirokastër. The total population is 28,673 (2011 census), in a total area of 469. The population of the former municipality at the 2011 census was 19,836. #Climate Gjirokastër is situated between the lowlands of western Albania and the highlands of the interior, and has thus a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, though, (as is normal for Albania), much heavier rainfall than usual for this climate type. Climate data for Gjirokastër Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 9 (48) 11 (52) 13 (55) 18 (64) 23 (73) 28 (82) 32 (90) 34 (93) 27 (81) 23 (73) 15 (59) 11 (52) 20 (69) Daily mean °C (°F) 5 (41) 6 (43) 7 (45) 12 (54) 16 (61) 20 (68) 23 (73) 24 (75) 19 (66) 14 (57) 10 (50) 6 (43) 14 (56) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 1 (34) 1 (34) 2 (36) 6 (43) 10 (50) 13 (55) 15 (59) 15 (59) 12 (54) 8 (46) 5 (41) 2 (36) 8 (46) Average precipitation mm (inches) 176 (6. 2) Average rainy days 11 10 8 7 5 2 1 1 3 7 14 12 81 Average relative humidity (%) 71 69 68 69 70 62 57 57 64 67 75 73 67 Mean monthly sunshine hours 145. 7 2,678 Mean daily sunshine hours 4. 3 Average ultraviolet index 3 4 6 8 9 10 10 10 8 6 4 3 7 Source 1: Weatherbase, Nomadseason(Precipitation-UV) Source 2: Weather2visit, Climate data Climate data for Gjirokastër elevation at 194 m or 636 ft from 1961-1990 Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 20. 7) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 10. 4) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 0. 0) Record low °C (°F) −10.

The topographic characteristics of Gjirokastër result from complex geological processes that have created distinctive landscape features supporting diverse ecosystems and human activities. These natural features provide both opportunities and constraints that have influenced settlement patterns and economic development throughout history.

Hydrological systems in the Gjirokastër region play crucial roles in supporting natural ecosystems and human communities through provision of water resources, transportation routes, and agricultural irrigation. Understanding these water systems helps explain historical settlement patterns and contemporary development opportunities.

Soil composition and agricultural potential in the Gjirokastër area reflect the interaction of geological substrate, climatic conditions, and human management practices that have created productive agricultural systems supporting local food security and economic development.

Natural resource availability in Gjirokastër has historically influenced economic activities and settlement patterns while continuing to provide opportunities for sustainable development that balances economic needs with environmental conservation.

The relationship between geographic features and human settlement in Gjirokastër demonstrates sophisticated adaptation strategies that maximize advantages while minimizing risks associated with natural hazards and environmental constraints.

Seasonal variations in the geographic character of Gjirokastër create changing opportunities for agricultural production, outdoor recreation, and transportation that influence the rhythm of community life and economic activities throughout the year.

Climate Patterns and Environmental Conditions

#Climate Gjirokastër is situated between the lowlands of western Albania and the highlands of the interior, and has thus a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, though, (as is normal for Albania), much heavier rainfall than usual for this climate type. Climate data for Gjirokastër Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 9 (48) 11 (52) 13 (55) 18 (64) 23 (73) 28 (82) 32 (90) 34 (93) 27 (81) 23 (73) 15 (59) 11 (52) 20 (69) Daily mean °C (°F) 5 (41) 6 (43) 7 (45) 12 (54) 16 (61) 20 (68) 23 (73) 24 (75) 19 (66) 14 (57) 10 (50) 6 (43) 14 (56) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 1 (34) 1 (34) 2 (36) 6 (43) 10 (50) 13 (55) 15 (59) 15 (59) 12 (54) 8 (46) 5 (41) 2 (36) 8 (46) Average precipitation mm (inches) 176 (6. Rainfall patterns in Gjirokastër determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 2) Average rainy days 11 10 8 7 5 2 1 1 3 7 14 12 81 Average relative humidity (%) 71 69 68 69 70 62 57 57 64 67 75 73 67 Mean monthly sunshine hours 145. 7 2,678 Mean daily sunshine hours 4. 3 Average ultraviolet index 3 4 6 8 9 10 10 10 8 6 4 3 7 Source 1: Weatherbase, Nomadseason(Precipitation-UV) Source 2: Weather2visit, Climate data Climate data for Gjirokastër elevation at 194 m or 636 ft from 1961-1990 Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 20. Rainfall patterns in Gjirokastër determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 7) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 10. 4) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 0. 0) Record low °C (°F) −10. 7) Average precipitation mm (inches) — — — — — — — — — — — — 1,887. Rainfall patterns in Gjirokastër determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 31) Average rainy days (≥ 1. 0 mm) — — — — — — — — — — — — 102. 0 Average snowy days — — — — — — — — — — — — 4. 0 Average relative humidity (%) — — — — — — — — — — — — 74. 0 Mean monthly sunshine hours — — — — — — — — — — — — 2,456. 8 Source: National Oce.

The climatic regime of Gjirokastër reflects the complex interaction of geographic location, topographic features, and regional weather patterns that create distinctive seasonal characteristics influencing both natural ecosystems and human activities throughout the year.

Temperature variations in Gjirokastër create distinct seasonal periods that influence agricultural cycles, energy consumption patterns, and outdoor activity opportunities while requiring adaptive strategies for housing, clothing, and food preservation.

Precipitation patterns in Gjirokastër determine water availability for agricultural production, urban consumption, and natural ecosystem maintenance while influencing the timing of traditional festivals and seasonal economic activities.

Seasonal weather patterns in Gjirokastër create varying opportunities for different types of economic activities, recreational pursuits, and cultural celebrations that contribute to the distinctive rhythm of community life throughout the year.

The interaction between climate and human adaptation in Gjirokastër demonstrates sophisticated traditional knowledge systems for managing seasonal variations while taking advantage of favorable conditions for agriculture, construction, and outdoor activities.

Climate considerations for visitors to Gjirokastër include understanding seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours that influence the availability of different activities and the appropriate preparation for outdoor exploration and cultural participation.

Cultural Heritage and Community Traditions

Culture Grupi Argjiro, a male vocal ensemble from Gjirokastër. The group performs the Albanian iso-polyphony of Gjirokastër. They were awarded the title “Grand Master” of Albania by the then-president Bujar Nishani. 17th-century Ottoman traveller Evliya Çelebi, who visited the city in 1670, described the city in detail. One Sunday, Çelebi heard the sound of a vajtim, the traditional Albanian lament for the dead, performed by a professional mourner. The traveller found the city so noisy that he dubbed Gjirokastër the “city of wailing”. The novel Chronicle in Stone by Albanian writer Ismail Kadare tells the history of this city during the Italian and Greek occupation in World War I and II. It expounds on the customs of the people of Gjirokastër. At the age of twenty-four, Albanian writer Musine Kokalari wrote an 80-page collection of ten youthful prose tales in her native Gjirokastrian dialect: As my old mother tells me (Albanian: Siç me thotë nënua plakë), Tirana, 1941. The book tells the day-by-day struggles of women of Gjirokastër, and describes the prevailing mores of the region. Gjirokastër, home to both Albanian and Greek polyphonic singing, is also home to the National Folklore Festival (Albanian: Festivali Folklorik Kombëtar) that is held every five years. The festival started in 1968 and was most recently held in 2009, its ninth season. The festival takes place on the premises of Gjirokastër Fortress. Gjirokastër is also where the Greek language newspaper Laiko Vima is published. Linguistic diversity in Gjirokastër demonstrates the region’s role as a crossroads of cultural interaction and historical influence. Founded in 1945, it was the only Greek- language printed media allowed during the People’s Socialist Republic of Albania. Linguistic diversity in Gjirokastër demonstrates the region’s role as a crossroads of cultural interaction and historical influence. #Landmarks The city is built on the slope surrounding the citadel, located on a dominating plateau. Although the city’s walls were built in the third century and the city itself was first mentioned in the 12th century, the majority of the existing buildings date from 17th and 18th centuries. Typical houses consist of a tall stone block structure which can be up to five stories high. There are external and internal staircases that surround the house. It is thought that such design stems from fortified country houses typical in southern Albania. The lower storey of the building contains a cistern and the stable. The upper storey is composed of a guest room and a family room containing a fireplace. Further upper stories are to accommodate extended families and are connected by internal stairs. Since Gjirokastër’s membership to UNESCO, a number of houses have been restored, though others continue to degrade. Stage of the Gjirokastër National Folklore Festival Many houses in Gjirokastër have a distinctive local style that has earned the city the nickname “City of Stone”, because most of the old houses have roofs covered with flat dressed stones. A very similar style can be seen in the Pelion district of Greece. The city, along with Berat, was among the few Albanian cities preserved in the 1960s and 1970s from modernizin.

The cultural landscape of Gjirokastër represents a living repository of traditions, customs, and social practices that have evolved over centuries while maintaining essential characteristics that define community identity and provide continuity between generations.

Social organization in Gjirokastër reflects sophisticated systems for maintaining community cohesion and mutual support that have enabled the population to preserve cultural traditions while adapting to changing economic and political circumstances.

Traditional arts and crafts in Gjirokastër continue to flourish as expressions of cultural identity and sources of economic opportunity, providing visitors with authentic opportunities to observe skilled artisans practicing techniques transmitted through family and community networks.

Religious and spiritual practices in Gjirokastër provide insights into the values and beliefs that guide community decision-making and social interaction while creating frameworks for cultural continuity and adaptation to contemporary circumstances.

Language use and cultural expression in Gjirokastër demonstrate the dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation as communities maintain linguistic heritage while adapting to contemporary communication needs and educational opportunities.

Cultural festivals and community celebrations in Gjirokastër provide opportunities for visitors to experience authentic traditional practices while participating in community life and supporting local cultural preservation efforts.

Economic Activities and Development Patterns

Economy Reconstruction of the roof of a traditional house Gjirokastër is principally a commercial center with some industries, notably the production of foodstuffs, leather, and textiles. Recently a regional agricultural market that trades locally produced groceries has been built in the city. Given the potential of southern Albania to supply organically grown products, and its relationship with Greek counterparts of the nearby city of Ioannina, it is likely that the market will dedicate itself to organic farming in the future. However, trademarking and marketing of such products are currently far from European standards. The Chamber of Commerce of the city, created in 1988, promotes trade with the Greek border areas. As part of the financial support from Greece to Albania, the Hellenic Armed Forces built a hospital in the city. In recent years, many traditional houses are being reconstructed and owners lured to come back, thus revitalizing tourism as a potential revenue source for the local economy. However, some houses continue to degrade from lack of investment, abandonment or inappropriate renovations as local craftsmen are not part of these projects. In 2010, following the Greek economic crisis, the city was one of the first areas in Albania to suffer, since many Albanian emigrants in Greece are becoming unemployed and thus are returning home. "Një histori e shkurtër e Gjirokastrës". Retrieved 15 December 2010. ^ _**a**_ _**b**_ Kote, Odise (16 March 2010). "Tregu rajonal në jug të Shqipërisë dhe prodhimet bio" (in Albanian). Retrieved 15 December 2010. Taylor & Francis Group (2004). _Europa World Year, Book 1_. London; New York. ISBN 978-1-85743-254-1. Retrieved 15 December 2010. `{{cite book}}`: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) 4. _War and change in the Balkans : nationalism, conflict and cooperation_ (1. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-67773-8. "Babameto I Restoration & Revitalization". Cultural Heritage without Borders. Archived from the original on 6 March 2016. Retrieved 26 June 2015. "Babameto II Restoration & Revitalization". Cultural Heritage without Borders. Archived from the original on 4 February 2016. Retrieved 26 June 2015. "Aga Khan Award for Architecture: Conservation of Gjirokastra". Aga Khan Development Network. Archived from the original on 6 June 2012. Retrieved 5 June 2011. "One man's fight to preserve Albania's traditions". Retrieved 25 October 2013. "Top Channel Video – Exclusive, Pjesa 1 – 30/09/2012". Archived from the original on 3 October 2012. Kote, Odise (2 March 2010). "Kriza greke zbret dhe në Shqipëri" (in Albanian). Retrieved 15 December 2010.

The economic structure of Gjirokastër reflects a complex balance between traditional livelihoods and contemporary opportunities that enables the community to maintain economic stability while preserving cultural values and environmental sustainability.

Traditional economic activities in Gjirokastër often center around sustainable resource management practices that have been refined over generations to maximize productivity while maintaining environmental balance and community welfare.

Local markets and commercial activities in Gjirokastër serve as important centers of community life where economic transactions intersect with social interaction and cultural exchange, providing visitors with opportunities to observe traditional trading practices.

Agricultural production in Gjirokastër demonstrates sophisticated adaptation to local environmental conditions while maintaining traditional crop varieties and farming techniques that support both food security and cultural continuity.

Service sector development in Gjirokastër has evolved to accommodate external economic connections while maintaining authentic community character and traditional approaches to hospitality and customer service.

Economic development opportunities in Gjirokastër focus on sustainable approaches that build upon existing community strengths while creating new opportunities for education, employment, and cultural preservation.

Transportation and Regional Connectivity

Transportation infrastructure serving Gjirokastër reflects the balance between accessibility and preservation of community character that characterizes regional development throughout Albania. Road networks, public transportation options, and traditional travel methods create multiple approaches for reaching and exploring Gjirokastër.

Regional connectivity from Gjirokastër provides access to broader transportation networks while maintaining the authentic character that distinguishes this destination from more commercialized locations. Understanding transportation options helps visitors plan efficient and respectful approaches to exploration.

Educational Institutions and Learning Opportunities

#Education The first school in the city, a Greek language school, was erected in the city in 1663. It was sponsored by local merchants and functioned under the supervision of the local bishop. In 1821, when the Greek War of Independence broke out, it was destroyed, but it was reopened in 1830. In 1727 a madrasa started to function in the city, and it worked uninterruptedly for 240 years until 1967, when it was closed due to the Cultural Revolution applied in communist Albania. In 1861–1862 a Greek language school for girls was founded, financially supported by the local Greek benefactor Christakis Zografos. The first Albanian school in Gjirokastër was opened in 1886. Today there are 14 schools in Albanian language and two bilingual Albanian- Greek schools in the city. The city is home to the Eqrem Çabej University, which opened its doors in 1968. The university has recently been experiencing low enrollments, and as a result the departments of Physics, Mathematics, Biochemistry, and Kindergarten Education did not function during the 2008–2009 academic year. In 2006, the establishment of a second university in Gjirokastër, a Greek-language one, was agreed upon after discussions between the Albanian and Greek governments. The program had an attendance of 35 students as of 2010[update], but was abruptly suspended when the University of Ioannina in Greece refused to provide teachers for the 2010 school year and the Greek government and the Latsis foundation withdrew funding. 1. Sakellariou, Michaïl V (1997). Epirus: 4000 Years of Greek History and Civilization. Athens: Ekdotike Athenon. p. 308. ISBN 978-960-213-371-2. 2. Ruches, Pyrrhus J (1965). Albania’s Captives. Chicago: Argonaut. p. 33. “At a time of almost universal ignorance in Greece, in 1633, it opened the doors of its first Greek school. Sponsored by Argyrocastran merchants in Venice, it was under the supervision of Metropolitan Callistus of Dryinoupolis.” 3. GCDO. “Regjimi komunist në Shqipëri” (in Albanian). Organizata për Ruajtjen dhe Zhvillimin e Gjirokastrës (GCDO). Retrieved 1 September 2010. 4. Sakellariou, Michaïl V (1997). Epirus: 4000 Years of Greek History and Civilization. Athens: Ekdotike Athenon. p. 308. ISBN 978-960-213-371-2. 5. Victor Roudometof (1996). Nationalism and statecraft in southeastern Europe, 1750–1923. University of Pittsburgh. p. 568. 6. “Shkollat pa ngrohje, protestë në Gjirokastër”. 360Grade (in Albanian). Retrieved 12 June 2023. 7. Relations, House, Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Senate, Committee on Foreign (2008). Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2007. Government Printing Office. p. 1080. ISBN 978-0-16-081399-3.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) 8. “Viti i ri mësimor, probleme në disa shkolla në Gjirokastër”. www.balkanweb.com (in Albanian). Retrieved 12 June 2023. 9. “Shkolla Nëntëvjeçare “Frymë Dashurie”, Gjiroka

Educational institutions in Gjirokastër serve as important centers of learning and cultural preservation that contribute to community development while maintaining connections to traditional knowledge systems and contemporary educational standards.

Planning Your Visit to Gjirokastër

Successful visits to Gjirokastër require preparation that extends beyond typical travel planning, as this destination rewards visitors who approach it with cultural sensitivity, environmental awareness, and genuine interest in learning from local communities and traditions.

The most meaningful experiences in Gjirokastër often emerge from patient observation, respectful participation in community activities, and willingness to adapt expectations to local customs and environmental conditions rather than imposing external standards or expectations.

Practical considerations for visiting Gjirokastër include understanding seasonal variations in weather and activity availability, respecting local customs and social protocols, and supporting community-based economic activities that contribute to cultural preservation and sustainable development.

The rewards of visiting Gjirokastër extend far beyond the duration of your stay, as the insights gained from experiencing authentic traditional culture often influence perspectives and values long after returning home, providing new understanding of human potential and community cooperation.