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Gjirokastër is a city located in southern Albania and serves as the capital of the Gjirokastër County. Its most striking feature is its nickname, "The City of Stone" or "The City of a Thousand Steps" (Qyteti i njëmijë shkallëve), owing to the fact that the entire city is built on a rocky, steep slope, and all the house roofs are covered with local grey stone slabs. This unique landscape, which preserves the characteristic architectural style of the Ottoman period, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 due to its high historical and cultural value.

Historical Background

Gjirokastër first appeared in historical records in 1336, under its then Greek name, Argyrokastro, and was part of the Byzantine Empire's domain. It subsequently became the center of the Principality of Gjirokastër, a principality belonging to the Albanian noble Gjon Zenebishi. However, it fell under Ottoman rule in the early 15th century and remained under its administration for approximately five centuries. Throughout the Ottoman era, Gjirokastër flourished as a regional administrative and trade center. The original bazaar, built in the 17th century, was a testament to its commercial vitality (later rebuilt after a fire in the 19th century).

Architecture and Urban Landscape

The urban landscape of Gjirokastër is characterized by a group of buildings called "kulla," which are the wealthy homes from the Ottoman period. These houses are often three or more stories high, possess a fortress-like exterior, and combine defensive elements with living spaces. The stone exterior walls and, most notably, the roofs tiled with grey stone slabs, lend a unified and imposing atmosphere to the entire city. The steep, cobblestone slopes, narrow alleyways, and the well-preserved Ottoman-era bazaar district strongly retain a medieval ambiance. Currently, over 200 houses are preserved as cultural monuments, including the birth homes of Albanian writer Ismail Kadare and the communist leader Enver Hoxha.

Landmarks and Culture

One of Gjirokastër's main landmarks is the colossal Gjirokastër Castle, which looms over the city on a hill. The castle has played a strategically vital role throughout the city's history. Inside the castle, there is an Arms Museum and a stage used for outdoor festivals, and from the battlements, one can overlook the entire "City of Stone." The Gjirokastër Mosque, built in 1757, is also an important religious structure that reflects the city's history and diverse culture.

Geographically, it is located between the lowlands of western Albania and the higher-altitude inland regions. It has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers, but it is also a region with relatively high precipitation. The core of its economic activity is commerce, with industries such as food processing, leather, and textiles thriving. In terms of education, the Eqrem Çabej University is located in the city, providing higher education for the region.

Gjirokastër's historical significance, unique architectural style, and excellent state of preservation make it a highly important place for understanding Albanian history and culture, and its alternate name, "The City of Stone," symbolizes the city's enduring charm.