Overview:

is a medieval fortress situated in the city of Gjirokastër, Albania. The castle is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005. Built by the local ruler, Gjin Bue Shpata, in the 13th century, the fortress is situated on a hilltop 250m above the Drino Valley. It was further remodeled and extended by the Ottomans in the 18th century. The castle is an expansive fortress complex, with 17th and 18th century mural paintings, cannons, cisterns, churches, and other constructions. Its main structure is a four-tiered tower and a large court surrounded by walls. The castles museum includes artifacts from various areas of the city. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

1. Located high on top of a steep hill overlooking the town of Gjirokastër, and dominating the surrounding area from its magnificent presence, Gjirokastër Castle is an impressive fortress and a crucial historic monument. 2. Dating all the way back to the 4th century BC, the castle is one of the largest in the region, spanning an area of 30,000 square meters and rising up to a lofty 37 meters. 3. The main entrance is located on the northwest side of the fort, accessed via a steep path that winds its way through the castle walls and up to the entrance gate. 4. Inside, the castle is made up of two distinct enclosures, each surrounded by thick stone walls and towers. 5. These enclosures include the Tartana and the Bektashi, both of which feature numerous structures and chambers, including prisons, churches, and palaces. 6. Visitors can also admire an impressive array of weapons and armaments, including cannons and firearms, at the castle’s armory. 7. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, Gjirokastër Castle is one of the most impressive ancient monoliths in the Balkans, providing insight into the cultural and historic heritage of the region. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

Gjirokastër Castle is a stronghold in the southern Albanian city of Gjirokastër in the Gjirokastër County. It is located on a hilltop overlooking the Drinos River valley and was built on the remains of an earlier Hellenistic fortress. Construction began in the fourth century AD and the castle was completed in the 15th century, although there have been several modifications made throughout its history. The castle is a site of historic importance for the nearby town. It was originally built by the Romans and then enlarged by the Byzantines during the 4th and 5th centuries. It is believed that during this time it served as an administrative and military outpost, controlling the import and export of goods passing in and out of the city. During the Ottoman period, which lasted from the late 1400s to the early 1900s, Gjirokastër Castle was one of the most important strongholds in the region. It was extensively fortified and served as the residence of the Pasha of Gjirokastër. The castle also played an important role in the war of independence against the Ottoman Empire in 1912-1913. In the 20th century, the fortress suffered the effects of warfare as it was badly damaged during World War II and later abandoned for a time. It was restored in the 1990s and the walls are now reinforced with concrete, making them much stronger than before. Today, Gjirokastër Castle is a popular tourist destination. It houses the National Museum of Weapons and Traditional Crafts, and visitors can explore the ancient fortification and enjoy breath-taking views of the surrounding countryside. Sources: - "History." Gjirokastër Fortress. Accessed October 11, 2016. http://www.gjirokastra-castle.com/history/ - "Gjirokastër Castle." Lonely Planet. Accessed October 11, 2016. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/albania/gjirokaster/attractions/gjirokaster-castle/a/poi-sig/1408397/1326203 Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Built by the Despot of Arta in the 13th century, Gjirokastër Castle is one of the largest fortresses in the Balkan region. 2. The castle is noted for its high walls, secret tunnels, watchtowers and a large arsenal of weapons from its medieval past. 3. Under Ottoman rule, the castle played a significant role in the Albanian national uprisings of the 19th-century and contains a lore associated with the struggles against the Turks. 4. Gjirokastër Castle is also noted for its Rallis/Rahiè Hall, a beautiful 18th-century banqueting hall named after the Debre or Ottoman commissioner who commissioned it. 5. In 2005, the ancient city of Gjirokastër and its fortress were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. 6. Visiting the castle and exploring its tunnels and numerous chambers can be an eerie experience but also adds to its mysterious charm. 7. Gjirokastër Castle is the birthplace of the Albanian revolutionary Ismail Qemali and famous author Ismail Kadare – whose great-grandfather was once keeper of the castle’s arsenal. 8. Not only a mighty fortress, Gjirokastër Castle is also a vibrant cultural hub that currently hosts an international literary festival and other events. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era