The castle contains an American Lockheed T-33 shooting star jet captured during the Cold War era.
During the early 20th century, the castle functioned as a political prison for the Zogist regime and later the communist government.
The walls span approximately 335 meters in length, making it one of the largest fortresses in the Balkans.
The clock tower was added to the castle during the 19th century as a symbol of Ottoman administrative power.
Architectural surveys identify layers of fortification dating from the Byzantine, Despotate of Epirus, and Ottoman eras.
The fortress is built on a natural limestone spur, utilizing the topography to create a strategic defensive position.
The Castle of Gjirokastra is a massive stone fortress situated on a mountain ridge overlooking the Drino Valley in southern Albania. Originally constructed in the 12th century, it reached its current physical scale during the 19th-century expansion under Ali Pasha of Tepelena. The complex houses the Gjirokastër Museum, which focuses on the history of the region and the town’s development. Within the walls, visitors can explore a vaulted gallery containing heavy artillery from the world wars, including a captured United States Air Force plane. The site remains the most prominent landmark of the 'City of Stone,' recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fortress grounds serve as a venue for the Gjirokastër National Folklore Festival. Architectural features include stone-vaulted halls, clock towers, and extensive ramparts. The grounds are expansive, requiring significant walking on uneven, historic stone surfaces.
The western ramparts provide a panoramic view of the Gjirokastër Old Town bazaar and the surrounding mountains.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear with good grip to navigate the steep, uneven cobblestones and interior stone flooring.
Carry water, as there is very little shade within the expansive, open-air castle walls.
Visit the interior armory gallery early to avoid the concentrated heat buildup in the stone vaulted rooms.
Attempting to climb the exterior walls or restricted fortification points, as the stone masonry is unstable in places.
Respect the memorial areas dedicated to prisoners and those who died during historical conflicts within the site.
