Gjirokastra, Albania

Gjirokastra is a city in Albania. It has a population exceeding 43 000. The city is situated in the south portion of the country and is placed within Epirus region, which boasts of immense significance with respect to history. The city of Gjirokastra is the capital of the County as well as the district, both of which go by the same name. The city has an old town that has the major concentration of attractions.

The Old Town of Gjirokastra is an exceedingly well preserved Ottoman town in its entire splendor. The town was declared among the heritage sites of the world by the UNESCO. This area is one that is rarely to be seen anywhere in the world, as most Ottoman Towns are in badly preserved states. The town was constructed by the large estate farmers.

Gjirokastra has a number of other names by which it is known alternately. These are related to its history. The city is nestled in a valley with the Gjere mountains and the Drino River flanking it. The city is placed at a height of more than three hundred meters ASL.

The Gjirokastra Castle is situated overlooking the entire city. The city was the birthplace of Enver Hoxha, communist dictator and Ismail Kadare, world famous author. The Eqerem Cabej University is also situated in the city.

The city, when it was known as Argyrokastro, around 1336, saw a huge number of incidents that made it notable. The city has a history of protests and upheavals.