Gjirokastër Fortress

Gjirokastër Castle (Albanian: Kalaja e Gjirokastrës or Kalaja e Argjirosë) is a fortress in Gjirokastër, Albania (during Ottoman rule it was historically known as Ergiri while local Greeks referred to it as Argyrokastro, a name applied also to the castle). Gjirokastër Castle is situated at a height of 336 metres (1,102 ft).[1]

Gjirokastër Fortress
Kalaja e Gjirokastrës or Kalaja e Argjirosë
Gjirokastër, Southern Albania
Gjirokastër Castle
Gjirokastër Fortress is located in Albania
Gjirokastër Fortress
Gjirokastër Fortress
Coordinates40.074°N 20.141°E / 40.074; 20.141
Site information
Owner Albania
Controlled by Byzantine Empire
Despotate of Epirus
Zenevisi family
 Ottoman Empire
 Albania
Open to
the public		Yes
Site history
Built12th Century CE
MaterialsAncient blocks
For the castle in Greece, see Argyrokastro Castle.

The castle dominates the town and overlooks the strategically important route along the river valley. It is open to visitors and contains a military museum featuring captured artillery and memorabilia of the Communist resistance against German occupation, as well as a captured United States Air Force plane to commemorate the Communist regime's struggle against the imperialist western powers.

History

The citadel existed in various forms since before the 12th century. Princess Argjiro inspired Albanian author Ismail Kadare in a poem he wrote in the 1960s.[2] According to local Albanian folkloric traditions she lived in the 15th century and jumped off Gjirokastër Castle along with her child so as to avoid being captured by the Ottomans.[3]

Panoramic view of Gjirokastër Castle

Extensive renovations and a westward addition was added by Ali Pasha of Tepelene after 1812. The government of King Zog expanded the castle prison in 1932.

Today it possesses five towers and houses, the new Gjirokastër Museum, a clock tower, two teke, a cistern, the stage of the National Folk Festival, and many other points of interest.

Map of the castle

The castle's prison was used extensively by Zog's government and housed political prisoners during the Communist regime.

The castle is under protection from UNESCO.[4]

Hall inside castle

Tourism

The Gjirokastër Castle has also been a special destination for tourists. The castle was visited by over 10,000 Albanian and foreign tourists during January – May 2018. This was over double the visitors from the same period the year before, which saw 4,700 visitors.[5]

Visitor Numbers
Total Visitors
Period Visitors
January – May 2017 5,400[5]
January – May 2018 over 10,000[5]


See also


References
  1. "Rruga Evlia Celebi Gjirokaster Albania on the Elevation Map. Topographic Map of Rruga Evlia Celebi Gjirokaster Albania". elevationmap.net.
  2. Sinani, Shaban; Kadare, Ismail; Courtois, Stéphane (2006). Le dossier Kadaré (in French). Paris: O. Jacob. p. 37. ISBN 9782738117403.
  3. "Gjirokastra Conservation and Development".
  4. Centre, UNESCO World Heritage. "Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra". whc.unesco.org. Retrieved 2018-06-12.
  5. "Kalaja e Gjirokastrës atraksioni më i veçantë turistik, mirëpret 10 mijë vizitorë - ATSH -". Agjencia Telegrafike Shqiptare (in Albanian). 2018-06-09. Retrieved 2018-06-12.
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40°04′26″N 20°08′28″E


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