Sights · Our pick
Gjirokastër Castle
Among the Balkans’ largest
A vast hilltop fortress over Gjirokastër and the Drino valley, with vaulted galleries.
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Christoph Strässler · CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Pudelek · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Wolfgang Sauber · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons1 / 3
About Gjirokastër Castle
Rising 336 metres above the Drino valley, Gjirokastër’s castle is one of the largest in the Balkans and the commanding heart of the stone town. Inside, long vaulted galleries lead to a museum of arms with captured artillery, a United States Air Force plane brought down in 1957, a Bektashi tomb and the clock tower, with views sweeping across the valley. Every few years its stage hosts the National Folk Festival. Allow a good two hours to explore, and in summer carry water for the climb from the old bazaar.
Our take
- Vaulted galleries
- Drino valley views
- Folk festival stage
- Address
- Kalaja
Gjirokastër, the Balkans - Our city guide
- On our Tirana guide
- Price guide
- € (sights price guide)
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Gjirokastër Castle before you go.
Last checked: October 2026 How we choose
Location
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Read next
SightsSkenduli HouseA painted Gjirokastër tower house, often shown by the family who own it.
Shopping & MarketsThe old bazaarGjirokastër’s cobbled market quarter beneath the castle, full of craft shops and cafés.
HotelsHotel KodraA 13-room boutique hotel in Gjirokastër’s old town, with a terrace restaurant below the castle.