Overview:

Drino Valley, Gjirokastër, located in southern Albania, is a stunningly beautiful, narrow canyon with terraced hills and a rich cultural history. Gjirokastër is the largest town in the valley and is renowned for its architecture, including historic cobblestone streets and Ottoman-style homes. The Drino Valley is a popular tourist destination for its stunning natural scenery. The cultural experience here is also remarkable: it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is filled with traditional Albanian villages, archaeological sites, and even a stunning national park. Visitors can enjoy the region's vibrant traditional arts, including embroidery and wood carving, as well as hiking and exploring the countryside. Additionally, the area is home to some of the most stunning mountain villages in the Balkan region. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

1. Dures Park: One of the most scenic spots in the Drino Valley, Dures Park is known for its stunning views of the surrounding countryside and its long stone staircases. A popular spot for tourists, the park houses a historic mill and a museum. 2. Gjirokastra Castle: Standing atop the hill of Drino Valley, Gjirokastra Castle is an impressive fortified citadel that was built in the 13th century. Offering views of the surrounding countryside, the castle is an impressive reminder of the city’s past. 3. Tomorr Mountain: Rising up from the Drino Valley, Tomorr Mountain is known for its spectacular landscape of alpine meadows, snow-capped peaks, and glacial lakes. The mountain also offers an ideal spot for hikers, who can explore the trails winding through the forested slopes. 4. Bistrica River: The Bistrica River is one of the main rivers of the Drino Valley, providing much of the valley with water and creating some picturesque waterfalls and gorges. It’s a popular spot for fishing, canoeing, and swimming. 5. Lukova Cypress Forest: Situated near the town of Lukova, the Lukova Cypress Forest is a lush area of dense vegetation, filled with cypress trees. It's said to be one of the most beautiful and best kept natural parks in Albania. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

Drino Valley is located in the Gjirokastër region of southern Albania. The valley is known for its rich agricultural biodiversity and its cultural heritage. Historically, the valley was part of the historic province of Myzeqe which was a key agricultural and trading area in ancient Illyrian times. In more recent times, the region was an important zone for the Albanian Anti-Fascist National Liberation Movement during World War II. The Drino Valley is mentioned in the works of renowned Albanian national poet Gjergj Fishta, and the Albanian folk epic "The Highland Lute" which was set largely in the area. During the Communist era, the region became known for its production of agricultural products, especially the famous Drino Valley oranges and lemons which were widely enjoyed in Albania and the broader region. The Drino Valley has been inhabited by the local Tosk population since ancient times, and is home to a large number of historical sites, including the Korce-Berat Castle, the ruins of the ancient Illyrian city of Amantia, numerous old military fortresses, and the eighteenth century Church of St John in Korce. In recent years, Drino Valley has become a popular tourist destination, with numerous festivals held in the area during the summer months. The region is also increasingly becoming an important wine producing region, with local producers gaining international recognition for their fine wines. Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Drino Valley is considered one of the most beautiful regions in Albania. 2. It is home to rare plants and animals, including the Eurasian otter and Golden Eagle. 3. The Drino river is known for its clean and clear water, derived from the Snows of Gjeravica. 4. The Drino Valley is home to several ancient traditional villages, where life is still rooted in tradition. 5. The region contains hidden treasure in the form of old stone villages, ancient towers and fortresses. 6. The valley is also known for its vineyards, that produce some of the finest wine in Europe. 7. The area is also known for its natural and extraordinary beauty, breathtaking landscapes, and steep cliffs. 8. The 8th century Monastery of St. Mary along the mountain of Strava is a major landmark in the area. 9. The Drino Cave is one of the deepest and most enigmatic caves in Europe. 10. The area is an important hub of traditional cultural activities, such as trellis weaving, pottery making, and traditional cooking. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era