Gjirokastër Fortress

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For the castle in Greece, see Argyrokastro Castle.
Panoramic view of Gjirokastër Castle
Gjirokastër Castle

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]

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 has 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]

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.

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]

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 the double of visitors from the same period the year before with 4,700 visitors.[5]

Visitor Numbers[]

Total Visitors
Period Visitors
January – May 2017 4700[5]
January – May 2018 over 10,000[5]

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.
  3. ^ [1]
  4. ^ Centre, UNESCO World Heritage. "Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra". whc.unesco.org. Retrieved 2018-06-12.
  5. ^ Jump up to: a b c "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.

Coordinates: 40°04′26″N 20°08′28″E / 40.074°N 20.141°E / 40.074; 20.141


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