Throughout this year, around 60,000 local and foreign tourists have visited the museums of the stone city of Gjirokastra.

The city’s museums are considered key elements in the development of tourism in Gjirokastra. Over the past year, the Arms Museum, the Ethnographic Museum, the Kadare House Museum, and others have attracted an increasing number of visitors, both Albanian and international. According to statistics, around 60,000 tourists — 20% more than last year — have visited the city’s museums, said Ervina Saliaj, head of the museum network.

“The museums of Gjirokastra play a leading role in tourism. They are among the most visited sites in the city and preserve our cultural and historical heritage. Tourists are always eager to learn about this aspect of Gjirokastra. We’ve seen a significant increase in visitor numbers compared to last year, reaching about 56,000 visitors of various nationalities,” said Saliaj.

The Memorial Museum dedicated to dissident Musine Kokalari remains one of the most popular attractions for tourists visiting the stone city. Through relics, documents, and archival materials, visitors gain insight into the life and work of Musine Kokalari.

“I have felt great joy seeing this museum — this memorial space dedicated to Musine Kokalari — become accessible to the public, where people can learn about her life, feel connected to her story, and understand the extraordinary personality that she was,” said Arjeta Kokalari, the museum’s coordinator.

Tourists visiting the museums of Gjirokastra come from various Albanian cities, as well as from Germany, Italy, Greece, the United States, and other countries, eager to explore the rich history and traditions of the stone city.