The development of tourism is restoring the traditional craft of decorative woodworking in Gjirokastra. Carpenter masters have already opened several centers for the preparation of souvenirs and characteristic wooden works in the historical center but also in the surroundings.

Experienced woodcarvers say that woodworking is a craft as difficult as it is beautiful as it has been passed down through generations in the stone city of Gjirokastra.

“Of course, the profession of carpenter is not easy, in the first steps it was not so easy to learn this profession, you must also have passion, you must have it when the people say and a little in your blood, to have this job, it really is tiring, indeed we are tired during the summer tourist season and almost tired all year round trying to do works to be ready for the coming season but at the end of the day you feel a satisfaction when you hear a good word from the visitors and leave aside the economic side that then with this profession we also support the family” – emphasized Anastas Petridhi.

In these days, the development of tourism in Gjirokastra has increased the demands for characteristic wood works. Bars, guesthouses, restaurants or hotels prefer to decorate their interiors in a traditional way by selecting characteristic woodwork.

“Our products and premises are adapted to the requirements of mainly tourists and local visitors, of course, our products are authentic Albanian which represent the cultural heritage and also the design used in the environment represents the Albanian architectural and construction heritage” – said Mane Çoçka, manager tourist bar.

The city of Gjirokasta has a special tradition in terms of traditional crafts such as stone, wood, iron work, embroidery, etc. which have been passed down through the generations.