The day tour of Gjirokastra is the recommendation to those people who want to use their last day in Albania to visit one of our most impressive cities. Gjirokastra, also called the ‘stone city’ with its stone house roof-tops, with a high influence of ottoman style buildings and architecture. This uniqueness of architectural style listed it among the world cultural heritage sites under UNESCO from 2005.
Gjirokastra has a lot to offer; a list of ‘must’ that you should visit and see. Within this day tour in Gjirokastra, we recommend you the main attractions not to miss, such the Argjiro castle, an walk on the cobblestones of the Old Bazaar and the visit of one of the traditional museum houses which will dive you in the past, imaging how these people use to live in the past.
We are flexible and open to optimize the pickup and meeting point. We can discuss it close to the date.
The tour of the city starts around 10.30 a.m from Cerciz Topulli square in Gjirokastra. A walk through the cobblestone streets of the Old Bazaar leads us to the Castle of Argjiro on the top of the hill and the best panoramic view of the whole city and Drino’s river valley. Here you will have the chance to see from close the main arts and crafts that this city uses to preserve still nowadays. You can buy souvenirs on the way back at the end of the tour.
During the walk on the Old Bazaar, we will take a corner of a few stairs more to reach the Obelisk point. The view from here will allow you a close look at the traditional stone houses, at the old and new quarters of this big city situated on the roots of Mali i Gjere (Large Mountain).
The castle, which dates between the VI-XII centuries, has served as the nucleus of this ancient city from III AD century. It is distinguished for its significant architectural, historical, cultural values, but also as a reference point for events such as folklore festivals, wedding ceremonies, photography enthusiasts, etc. It serves as a dominant point not only for the city but also for the surrounding landscape.
After the visit to the castle, on the way down we will proceed on the street of the ‘mads’ “Sokaku i te marreve”, a traditional cobblestone street, which connects the main important houses of the old part of the city. Here we can find the Dictator’s house; Ismail Kadare (our big Albanian writer) house; Skenduli or Zekateve houses. All of them unique and with amazing characteristics from the 18th century not to be missed.
The Ethnographic Museum is situated on the street of the 'mads' (Sokaku i te marreve) at the Communist Dictator Enver Hoxha house. The house was reconstructed bringing many classic cultural elements, ottoman style, copied from other beautiful houses of the city. The interiors replicate those of the finest Gjirokastra houses of the 19th century.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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