Gjirokastra Castle

Gjirokastra is one of the most interesting cities in Albania , and, perhaps, the Balkans in general. Situated on the top of the mountain , he looks down from the Danube. But not only its geographical location is interesting. The architectural features of the city are another reason why this place is worth a visit. In the city hundreds of houses are united in a single complex. One of the most impressive buildings and castles of Albania is Gyrokastra Castle, or Gyrokastra Castle, located in the city of the same name.

Fortress and prison

Castle Gyrokastra was built in the XII century as a protective structure. And the first written mention of this place dates back to 1336 year. For a long time, the castle protected the empire from Western enemies. In 1812 the construction of the building was changed, the walls were significantly strengthened. Approximately at the same time, the fortress was completed with a high clock tower. All these changes were the work of the ruler Ali Pasha. Work to strengthen and rebuild the building was then held in record time. In the tower alone, there were about 1500 people. And after more than a century, in 1932, another Albanian king expanded the territory of the fortress and turned it into a prison.

The Museum

Now the castle is the National Military Museum. The exposition of this museum presents various types of weapons of the XIX - XX centuries. The most famous exhibit is an American aircraft. It is exposed on the open area of ​​the fortress. With his appearance here is a rather curious story. In 1940, this aircraft without warning and for some unknown reason flew into the airspace of Albania, where it was immediately shot down. The pilot was sent home, and the plane became the most famous exhibit of the museum.

The aircraft shot down by the Albanians was used not only as a museum exhibit, but also as a visual aid for the design of aircraft.

Center of cultural life

Not far from this plane is a playground on which various cultural events take place: concerts, festivals and the like. For example, since 1968, the fortress takes part in the Albanian folklore festival.

And finally one more reason to visit this place is a magnificent panorama of the city and the Danube, opening from the walls of Gyrokastra Castle.

How to get there?

The city of Gjirokastra is located 120 kilometers from Tirana on the main highway of Albania , which connects the capital of the republic with the resort town of Saranda . You can get to the city by bus or a rented car. The fortress itself is located on a hill, it can be reached from the city on foot.