Gjirokastra Fortress dominates the town and overlooks the strategically important route along the river valley.
The first fortifications were probably built in the 5th century BC. Since then the castle has been enlarged over the ages and in 1670 it included around 200 houses. It was the centre of the town until the Bazaar developed outside its northern gate in the 15th century.
More recently the castle housed a garrison in the 19th century and under Zog’s regime a prison for political dissidents in the 20th century. It includes a museum, five towers, a clock tower, a church, water fountains and horse stables, so you’ll need at least a couple of hours to look around it.
During Ottoman times the castle was progressively enlarged and improved until Ali Pasha of Tepelena gave it its present shape by adding the clock tower and its southwest extension in 1811-1812, making it the second largest castle in the Balkans. He built a 12 km aqueduct to bring drinking water from the mountains.
Gjirokastra Fortress / ©divento.com
Gjirokastra Fortress / ©divento.com
Gjirokastra Fortress / ©divento.com
Gjirokastra Fortress / ©divento.com
Gjirokastra Fortress / ©divento.com
Gjirokastra Fortress / ©divento.com
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