Ismail Kadare House Museum
Visit the restored Palorto home where Albania's internationally known writer Ismail Kadare was born and spent his childhood, later evoked in Chronicle in Stone.
Official visitor information →← All guidesUNESCO STONE CITY GUIDEGjirokastra:
Gjirokastra:
stories written
in stone.
Discover Kadare's childhood home, ancient Antigonea, the great hilltop castle and the layered architecture of Albania's remarkable stone city.
Best for Heritage & literatureIdeal stay 2–3 nightsRegion Southern Albania
WHY VISIT GJIROKASTRA
A living city of stone, memory and imagination
Gjirokastra rises steeply above the Drino Valley, its slate roofs, fortified houses and cobbled alleys gathered beneath a vast castle. Beyond its famous old town, the landscape opens toward archaeological sites, villages and the ancient city of Antigonea.
DON'T MISS
Six places that tell the city's story
Antigonea Archaeological Park
About 14 km east of Gjirokastra, this ancient city was founded by King Pyrrhus of Epirus in 295 BC and preserves walls, streets, mosaics and wide views over the Drino Valley.
Official visitor information →Gjirokastra Castle
Walk through one of Albania's largest fortresses for museums, historic galleries, dramatic stone passages and panoramic views across the city and valley.
Official visitor information →The Old Bazaar
Follow steep cobbled lanes between Ottoman-era façades, artisan workshops, cafés, local food and the Bazaar Mosque in the heart of the old town.
Official visitor information →Stone tower houses
Step inside Gjirokastra's fortified family homes to see carved wooden interiors, guest rooms, stone roofs and the domestic architecture that defines the UNESCO city.
Official visitor information →Ali Pasha Bridge
Hike above the Dunavat quarter to the surviving aqueduct bridge, a quiet stone landmark surrounded by the rugged hills above Gjirokastra.
Official visitor information →ONE PERFECT DAY
Castle views, Kadare and the old town
- MorningBegin at Gjirokastra Castle before the midday heat, then take in the wide view over the Drino Valley.
- Late morningWalk down into the Old Bazaar for the Bazaar Mosque, local crafts and the city's characteristic stone streets.
- AfternoonVisit the Ismail Kadare House Museum in Palorto, then explore one of Gjirokastra's traditional tower houses.
- EveningReturn to the bazaar for qifqi or another local dish and watch the stone façades change colour at sunset.
GOOD TO KNOW
Practical tips
A car or arranged taxi is the easiest way to reach Antigonea. Carry water, sun protection and sturdy shoes for the exposed archaeological paths.
Gjirokastra's streets are steep and polished stone can be slippery. Wear shoes with good grip and take the uphill sections slowly.
Choose the bazaar area for atmosphere and easy sightseeing, or stay slightly lower in town for simpler vehicle access and parking.
STAY IN GJIROKASTRA
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