Gjirokaster

Gjirokastra is a city in the south of Albania, which was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005. It is a historic town and sits on the slopes of the Drino River valley, it has magnificent scenery and is bordered by high mountains. It is known as the "City of a Thousand Stairs" and is characterized by Ottoman-style houses with stone roofs, wooden balconies and cobblestone streets. The historic castle of Gjirokastra is located on top of a hill. Its beautiful history has inspired many artists to create poems, songs, stories, etc. This stone city is known because it is a center of tourism development in cultural heritage. There are traditional markets on these cobbled alleys waiting for passersby to turn back in time. Next there is the magnificent 13th century castle, reminiscent of the time of medieval rulers and the times of communism. Also many characteristic houses have been turned into inns to welcome travelers and it is a very hospitable city.