Cultural monuments and historical heritage sites are among the main pillars of tourism development in Gjirokastër.
The “stone city,” a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers unique architectural and construction values that attract thousands of visitors every year, mostly foreigners.
The castle, the traditional bazaar, and the museum complexes have welcomed over 300,000 tourists this year, marking one of the highest visitation rates nationwide.
“For the period January–August 2025, the Gjirokastër Castle was visited by around 210,000 visitors, a 15% increase compared to the same period last year — or about 30,000 more visitors,” said Ardis Duka, Director of the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage (DRKK) in Gjirokastër.
Among the most visited destinations in the city’s historic center are religious sites such as the Bazaar Mosque and the Church of the Transfiguration in the “Old Bazaar” neighborhood, along with the characteristic houses of the Zekate and Skënduli families.
Tourists have also shown increased interest in monuments located in the city’s surroundings, known for their historical and architectural value.
“In the Gjirokastër district, there has been a notable rise in visitors to the Labova e Kryqit Church, as well as to the archaeological sites of Adrianopolis and Antigonea. This increase is also linked to the promotion and expansion of tourist attractions in the area,” Duka added.
The Gjirokastër area counts around 50 ‘First Category’ Cultural Monuments and approximately 500 ‘Second Category’ monuments. With the growth of tourism, many of these sites are being revitalized — not only through state projects but also with the contributions and investments of local residents.
