Castle of Gjirokastra

Cool place. I don’t usually pay for castles but this seemed worth it. Worth doing on a sunny day for some good views. Go as soon as it opens to enjoy it with fewer people. Beautiful arches and useful signs. Free toilets inside. American plane inside. And British cannons. And more. 400 lekë to enter.

The Castle of Gjirokastra is an absolute stunner. Perched majestically overlooking the beautiful city, it's a truly breathtaking sight and an absolute must-see for anyone visiting Albania. I’ve seen a fair few castles in my time, but this one has something truly special about it. From the moment you begin the ascent, you’re transported back in time. The views on the way up are simply spectacular, offering a tantalising glimpse of what awaits. The walk itself is a bit of a climb, mind you, so wear comfortable shoes! But trust me, it's well worth the effort. Once you reach the castle itself, you're immediately struck by its sheer scale and grandeur. It’s a massive, imposing structure, steeped in history and brimming with stories. Walking through the courtyards and exploring the various rooms and chambers is like stepping back through centuries. You can almost feel the presence of the soldiers who once defended its walls. The views from the top are, quite simply, unparalleled. You get a panoramic vista of the entire city of Gjirokastra, as well as the surrounding mountains and valleys. It's the perfect spot to take some stunning photos and soak in the beauty of Albania. On a clear day, the visibility is incredible. What I particularly appreciated was the wealth of information available. There are informative plaques dotted around the castle, providing fascinating details about its history and architecture. It really helped to bring the castle to life and understand its significance. The museum within the castle is also well worth a visit, showcasing a collection of artefacts and exhibits that shed further light on the castle's past. The castle's history is rich and complex, and the way it’s been preserved is truly remarkable. You can see the layers of different eras, from the Ottoman period to the Communist era. It’s a powerful reminder of Albania's turbulent past and its resilience. The atmosphere of the castle is simply captivating. There's a certain magic in the air, a sense of timelessness that's hard to describe. It's a place where you can truly escape the modern world and immerse yourself in history and beauty. I found myself completely lost in thought as I wandered through its ancient walls. Honestly, I can't recommend the Castle of Gjirokastra highly enough. It's a truly remarkable landmark that should be on every traveller's itinerary. Whether you're a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking for a breathtaking view, this castle has something to offer everyone. Don't miss out on this incredible experience! It's a true jewel in the Albanian crown and well worth the trip. Just remember to bring your camera and your walking shoes! A truly unforgettable experience. Brilliant!

Nice authentic place to visit. Easy to find parking on the way down from castle which leads to souvenirs selling streets. Or parking exactly at the palace doors. Parked cars change fast. Visiting castle took not more than hour. Nice view from the top. Interesting army stuff exhibition. Free WC inside castle. 7 min. walking distance to touristic area with traditional tourist stuff, restaurants - best place to buy ceramic, carpets.

A beautifully maintained and enormous Byzantine 12th century fortress, which also contains a great little museum. I was deeply impressed by the sheer size of the fortress, which is even more impressive on the inside. The site is filled with impressive arches and high ceilings. Another wonderful aspect is that the vast majority of the fortress rooms and areas are fully accessible to the public. We wandered around for about two hours to cover the full building. There's also a decent sized museum on the upper floors. One half covers the history of the valley, and the other half is filled with hundreds of firearms from various periods. It was absolutely worth the small additional entry fee. The fortress also affords many amazing vantage points and views of the beautiful surrounding town. We paid €4 each for the fortress and €2 each for the museum. This was one of the many highlights of my visit to Albania.

The castle is large, and the entrance fee is only 4 euros—definitely worth a visit! It takes about an hour to explore. You can climb to the top for panoramic views of the town, and even go underground to explore the dark dungeons, which is very exciting. The layout is well-designed, so take your time to explore every corner and discover hidden surprises!

Well maintained castle with beautiful views overlooking mountains and the town itself. There are some historical facts provided as you walk around. Entry is the same price for all tourists even if you are a student. The great thing about the castle is it is partly shaded in places. There are some nooks and crannies worth daring into. In addition to the main entrance fee, you have to pay 200 lek if you want to visit the museum. You can walk on the terraces but please be extra careful if you have children with you as the terraces have no railings. Parking is free along the castle wall and in front of the castle itself. Ensure you take enough fluids with you. There are toilet facilities on site. Great place to visit.

Quite a big castle with plenty of panoramic views of snow capped mountains and towns around. Highly recommend!

Very interesting place with a lot of history. Fantastic views of the city, would highly recommend this attraction. It did cost €8 per person but I think worth it, there was parking near by. My only criticism is that there needs to me more information on the history of the castle and its uses over time as there is not enough information