Albanian Designs : Gjirokastra

Gjirokastra is a small town of 25,000 people located in the south of Albania, around 30 minutes drive from the Greek border. It is possibly the most unique of all Albanian cities and is well worth visiting.

Many buildings of historical interest were destroyed by the communists under Enver Hoxha. However, Gjirokastra survived this destruction due to the fact that it is the birthplace of Enver Hoxha and he awarded it the status of museum city, thus protecting its heritage. Gjirokastra maintained a lot of its Ottoman architecture as well as the unusual Silver Castle during this period. This makes the city one of the most interesting to visit along with its cobbled streets and stone houses.

The Silver Castle of Gjirokastra is the dominant feature of the old town. Construction of the castle began in the 6th century and has been updated many times since then. This gloomy building was used as a prison by King Zog, the Nazis, as well as the communists. It was then turned into a museum and you can visit it for a small fee.

Gjirokastra is also the birthplace of Ismail Kadare, Albania's most famous writer. There is some debate as to whether Ismail Kadare was for or against the communist regime. However, he remains well known and well respected in the international community.

If walking around the old town, admiring the beautiful 19th century houses, has worn you out, then you could take a drive around the surrounding areas. The mountains around Gjirokastra are a great place to visit for the day. The drive to Kelcyra and Permeti has spectacular views, especially around the Vjosa River valley.

Gjirokastra Box Buy Gjirokastra gifts and souvenirs online. Gjirokastra t-shirts, aprons, teddy bears, and many more items are available. All make great souvenirs of your trip to Albania or for an Albanian friend.	Gjirokastra Albania Albanian girls and guys love to meet online and chat and get to know each other. Albanian girls can be shy but are often happy to chat online and make friends living in other countries.	Italic Gjirokastra Public holidays in Albania include New Year's Day, Summer Day, Nevruz, Easter, May Day, Mother Teresa Day, Bajram i Madh, Independence Day, Liberation Day, Bajram i Vogel, and Christmas Day.
GJIROKASTRA ALBANIA Albanian chat rooms are a popular way for Albanians to keep in touch or as a way to meet Albanian girls and guys. Albanian chat rooms are available for those living in the US, Europe, and in Albania.