Castle of Gjirokastra

"Gjirokastra’s castle is one of the biggest in the Balkans. It is situated on the hilltop overlooking the city, witnessing the history of the whole region across the centuries. The date for building this fortification is still unclear. According to archaeologists, the place had been inhabited since IV-V century. However the first walls of this citadel were built between 12th -13th centuries. According to historians, the decision to build this fortification came after the fall of Hadrianopolis. Some rich families built the castle to feel safe and protect themselves from the war. Then gradually many other families populated it. J.Kantakuzeni mentioned the name of Gjirokastra for the first time in a document in 1336 (History of Albania 1959). In this document he describes a revolt of Arberi people against Byzantine empire in a city called “Argyrokastron’. In 1419 the Ottoman Empire occupied the castle and the city. What we see today from the castle dates back to the early 19th century. It extends across the 1100-foot-high hillside, like a giant ship made of stone. The name Argyro is linked with the legend of a princess who jumped off of a cliff with her little child to escape the Ottomans. Soldiers used the castle as a shelter during Ottoman Empire. However in the period of Ali Pasha of Tepelena the castle was reconstructed and expanded in the size it is today. Petro Korçari, the well-known master, directed the work process. During that time 7 towers were built, some of which is 30 meters high. The work and materials were high-quality. The castle is still in a good shape. During communism, the castle remained in shadow due to its use as a prison. The prison is now part of the Museum of the Castle, which includes a collection of arms during WWI and WWII, the prison, and a new pavilion of the history of Gjirokastra. Inside the castle you can see the Clock Tower, a Festival scene, the Castle’s Museum and a superb view over the valley. The castle grounds also house a recovered US Air Force jet with an interesting backstory as to how it got here. Some rumors say that Albanian forces downed the jet during the Cold War (1957). Others say that the plane was an American spy jet and was forced to land in Rinas Airport during December 957 after developing mechanical problems and flying off course. The pilot returned to US. The plane now is in the Museum of Arms in Gjirokastra and for a long time has been considered as an American spy plane. This now sounds ridiculous, because of very good relations between Albania and US. The entrance for the castle is 400 ALL/4 euros The entrance for groups (12+ people) is 300 ALL/3 euros Invalids and old people: 200 ALL/2 euros The castle is open all year round (April to September 09:00 to 19:00, October to March 09:00 to 17:00 ) "

"Costs 400 leke = about $4 Museum / self guided tour. I loved that you could wonder around yourself. There’s also an option for a more structured tour if that’s your thing. Google translate will be your best friend when it comes to the informational signs in Albanian. If you’re not just there for the photo ops and want to learn a bit about the castles history you can take a picture of the signs and it’ll translate the signs fairly well. Takes 1-2 hours to explore yourself including if you stop to take pictures and just get lost in the castle."

"Gjirokastër Castle is one of the largest Balkans castles and a formidable fortress that once served as a military outpost. Inside, you’ll find a museum, weaponry displays, and even a U.S. Air Force plane, a relic from the Cold War. The castle also offers magnificent views of the surrounding valley. Tip: Allow 2-3 hours for full exploration The entrance for the castle is 400 ALL/4 euros The castle is open all year round (April to September 09:00 to 19:00, October to March 09:00 to 17:00 ) "