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Gjirokaster Castle

Gjirokaster Castle

Gjirokaster Castle
4.5
Military MuseumsHistoric SitesCastles
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
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  • gniteIrene
    Toronto, Canada943 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Vast Complex
    The walk up to the castle wasn't strenuous and there are some stairs along the way. The grounds is scattered with many ruins, a clock tower,and a US Air force airplane. A festival stage was built in the 1980's and I imagine attending an evening concert here would be amazing. The views from the top are gorgeous- the city of Gjirokaster, the Drino Valley and mountains on all sides. You can explore the catacombs inside and see ovens and a very small Italian tank used during WW2. There is an additonal fee if you want to visit the museums. Toilets are nice and clean. Admission to just the castle is 400 LEK.
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written June 5, 2024
  • Jasmin Schubert
    Manila, Philippines35 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing castle to explore & take pictures, less for historic insights
    We took a bus from Sarandë to Gjirocaster and then walked about 30 minutes up to the castle. The walk was a bit steep, but nice and not to exhausting. Before making your way up, make sure to confirm the last bus back to avoid being stranded. Admission to the castle is 400 LEK (cash), with an additional fee for the museum (which we didn’t visit). Two things we absolutely loved about Gjirocaster Castle: (1) the freedom to explore everything, from the catacombs to the highest points of the castle (just be careful, the fences for security seem more like suggestions.) (2) The opportunity for great pictures: the castle itself, the fantastic views, the Old Town Clock, and the stage area. We didn't expect much regarding the war museum/history, and while the castle is beautiful to explore and photograph, there was a lack of information. If you want to connect with the historical aspect of the city, I recommend taking a guide or researching beforehand. Also, on the way to or from the castle, don't miss out on exploring the surroundings of the castle, especially the old bazaar, which is worth a visit on your way. It took us around 3 hours to explore the castle, and it was well worth the visit.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written June 6, 2024
  • Rachel H
    56 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning views of Gjirokaster
    We stayed in Gjirokaster a couple of nights and it is a beautiful city, the castle is a great way to take it all in. We are not history buffs but would still recommend visiting the castle (400 lek entry) because you really get to see the whole city, the views are absolutely stunning! Bring water with you as there's no cafe on site and it is quite big. We went around 5:30pm and the light was gorgeous on the city below.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 29, 2024
  • jordanellie41
    Longridge, United Kingdom1,157 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    IMPRESSIVE STRUCTURE WITH OUTSTANDING VIEWS
    The castle is perched high on top of a hillside overlooking the town below on one side and a glorious view of the mountains to the other. The entrance fee is 4€ per adult and is perhaps worth it just for the views! The castle outer walls are still in good shape but there isn't a great deal left inside. However, one thing that does still stand is the clock tower which is pretty impressive. It stands at one of the edges of the castle so also allows to get some great photos of it and also the mountains in the background. There is a giant Albanian flag that flies proudly in the wind along with some minor ruins. Inside the castle there are some weapons on view such as various types of cannons which are impressive. There's also a small museum which we never entered due to time constraints. Overall it's a great visit even if you're not that interested in it's history!
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 2, 2024
  • PBJ1977
    Walsall, United Kingdom108 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Albanian travels
    Some good views of the city and an impressive array of military hardware when entering the castle. It cost 400 Lek to enter which was decent value for money. There are lots of information boards to help you understand different aspects of the castle.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 25, 2024
  • angcer
    34 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting!
    We parked the car in a private parking lot, we were charged 500 leke, then we started under the tunnel, after it we climbed for a few minutes to the castle. The entrance fee is 400 lek per person. The castle is very large, there are many rooms where you can go in, as well as an area outside that you can visit. After it, you can walk through the old town, which is just as nice as the castle. It is very beautiful and interesting, I recommend it!
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 25, 2024
  • The Rists
    21 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fascinating castle with a fabulous tour guide.
    Fabulous tour. We were lucky enough to be offered a free tour by a volunteer at the castle. Isla really made our visit to this stunning castle come alive. She had an excellent knowledge of the castle and the history of Albania in general, and fantastic English. I really recommend taking her tour if she's available when you arrive.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 2, 2024
  • Spase M
    Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia2,510 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you want to know the history of Gjirokaster, head to the castle
    The castle is the biggest attraction in the city and here you will learn everything you need to know about the history of the castle and the city. The entrance fee is 400 Lek per person and it is worth it. At the beginning is the military gallery, then there is a museum which is charged 200 lek, but that is optional, you are not forced to enter. From the courtyard of the castle there is a beautiful view of the city and the valley. There is a tour guide in the castle who works as an intern and can explain to you about the castle.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 11, 2024
  • chris g
    London, United Kingdom434 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Castle visit
    Impressive building very well kept and considering its age amazing . Views from top of castle excellent Plenty of information within the large rooms which could keep you busy for a couple of hours if not more. Prices very reasonable . If in Gjirocaster the castle visit should be considered
    Visited September 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 27, 2024
  • Peter
    Hartlepool, United Kingdom773 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Get there early
    Get there when it opens at 9am , because tour groups will soon arrive. A fascinating place to visit, lots of information panels in English. Great to wander the passage ways and stairs. The castle has magnificent views of the town and surrounding area.
    Visited September 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written September 27, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles960 reviews
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Attenzione Attrazione
Florence, Italy177 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021
Gjirokaster Castle is a must visit, but now the road is blocked to the top. They are working something on the road, so you must park on the Sun on the half way to the Castle.
Parking is free, but you will need 20-30 min to climb on the Sun and slippery stones.
Don't forget the wallet in the car, because entrance price is 400 Lek + 200 Lek for the Museum and that is about 5 EUR or 6 USD.
Lot to see, but you must be in good form and fit condition, if you want to make it back :)
Written July 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

KarenBonavita
U.S.224 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021 • Couples
Recommend taking the hike up to the castle and walking around, then hanging out outside for a bit. We liked it a lot.
The views are wonderful, nice breeze. The walls of the castle are immense, a lot of arches.
Was an additional 200 lek per person for the 3 floors of museums. The first floor museum was very informative and well done and we spent time reading the info and looking at photos and quotes - enjoyed this; second floor nothing there; third floor-we’re not into weapons at all, but if you are, the third floor will be interesting.
Written May 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

The Balkans and Beyond
Glasgow, UK40 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2019
Gjirokaster is a small city in the Gjerë mountains about 1.5 hours by minibus from Saranda. It's not known as Albania's most beautiful town for nothing! Surrounded by mountains, the town overlooks the valley which stretches for miles. The winding cobbled streets are lined with well maintained Ottoman architecture and lead through the old town up towards the imposing castle. The Bazaar displays traditional Albanian crafts, hand made rugs and the occasional fridge magnet but tourists are very scarce, even in peak season.

Reaching the castle in the stifling heat is quite a feat - requiring a few drinks stops on the way - but very worth while. Dating back to the 12th century, the strategic position provides spectacular views. Contained within the castle is an arms museum, including tanks and antiaircraft guns, and a US fighter plane that was shot down during the war (although the information blurb lays claims to the contrary). All well worth the 1.5 Euro entry fee!

The clock tower within the castle sits at the very summit and was added from 1811 by the Ottoman governor Ali Pasha. In the shadow of the tower is now a stage used for the National Folk Festival.
Written June 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rachel H
56 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 • Couples
We stayed in Gjirokaster a couple of nights and it is a beautiful city, the castle is a great way to take it all in. We are not history buffs but would still recommend visiting the castle (400 lek entry) because you really get to see the whole city, the views are absolutely stunning! Bring water with you as there's no cafe on site and it is quite big. We went around 5:30pm and the light was gorgeous on the city below.
Written June 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jasmin Schubert
Manila, Philippines35 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Friends
We took a bus from Sarandë to Gjirocaster and then walked about 30 minutes up to the castle. The walk was a bit steep, but nice and not to exhausting. Before making your way up, make sure to confirm the last bus back to avoid being stranded.

Admission to the castle is 400 LEK (cash), with an additional fee for the museum (which we didn’t visit).

Two things we absolutely loved about Gjirocaster Castle: (1) the freedom to explore everything, from the catacombs to the highest points of the castle (just be careful, the fences for security seem more like suggestions.) (2) The opportunity for great pictures: the castle itself, the fantastic views, the Old Town Clock, and the stage area.

We didn't expect much regarding the war museum/history, and while the castle is beautiful to explore and photograph, there was a lack of information. If you want to connect with the historical aspect of the city, I recommend taking a guide or researching beforehand.

Also, on the way to or from the castle, don't miss out on exploring the surroundings of the castle, especially the old bazaar, which is worth a visit on your way.

It took us around 3 hours to explore the castle, and it was well worth the visit.
Written June 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Michael P
Bristol, UK48 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022
The caste is BIG ..I only had one real day in the place and I spent most of it in the castle. Partly because there was a traditional music video being filmed. The cstle was underfoing majore restoration with several work gangs
400 lek was charged which gets you into a museum also !
I would suggest that you take drinks and some nibbles and take a slow walk around . The one hall way is full of old artillery which includes some good examples of German ant tank and anti aircraft weapons .
The views are amazing so I would say take your time and take the map fro the tourist information office so you can spot the otherr places !!
Written May 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Matthijs A
Tromso, Norway15 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022 • Couples
When visiting the castle make sure you ask for a ticket when you pay. The guy standing at the gate tried to not give tickets after paying and let us enter on the side of the official electric gate that scans the ticket. Then the money doesn't go where it needs to go! I observed him for a while and saw him continue this practice. When he noticed me, he tried to give me money back and a cheaper ticket, very uncomfortable to be around this fellow.

The castle itself is a nice one. A lot of it is closed for renovations and there's some scaffolding but the spaces that were open were impressive, though very smelly and with trash lying around.

In the yard inside the castle there was a guy playing very loud modern music, didn't give the right atmosphere but turned out later he's a friend of the uncomfortable guy at the gate.

It should also be mentioned more clearly at the first gate that the museum is not included in the ticket.

The place has potential but there's room for a lot of improvement.
Written May 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Alex Sokolov
Kyiv, Ukraine31 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2020 • Couples
This castle has a large territory. It can take a few hours to visit all the corners within its area, and even then there will still be something to check, as there‘re lots of internal (and dangerous due to the wrecking state, though) „rooms“ in it.

In addition to the castle’s territory, there’s a little museum of artillery. It’s not well organized for now but the canons and antiaircraft guns are amazing. Also, there’re some paid museums (of prison, etc) but I haven’t been to there.

There’re plenty of places where you can make good photos and panoramas of Gjirokastër and you as well. Just trust me - 2.5€ is a ridiculously low price to get so much good emotions.

I recommend this place.
Written September 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Spase M
Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia2,510 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 • Couples
The castle is the biggest attraction in the city and here you will learn everything you need to know about the history of the castle and the city. The entrance fee is 400 Lek per person and it is worth it. At the beginning is the military gallery, then there is a museum which is charged 200 lek, but that is optional, you are not forced to enter. From the courtyard of the castle there is a beautiful view of the city and the valley. There is a tour guide in the castle who works as an intern and can explain to you about the castle.
Written August 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Michela R
Musile di Piave, Italy63 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Couples
Destroyed by the heat (we arrived at 10:30 and left after more than 3 hours) but worth it. Cost 4€ per person + 3€ per person for the internal museum. The castle is huge, quite well maintained. There is no furniture, only inside the museum. Missing a map and directions because sometimes you take a room and do not understand where you are or after only several paths you discover that you can not leave. The castle museum gives on the ground floor a beautiful historical explanation of the castle and also of the history of Albania in general (all in English); on the first floor the prisons. There were very few signs here in English explaining the resistance in Albania and the use of those prisons; it is a shame because it should be improved. Another thing, you absolutely must prevent the audience from touching, jumping, climbing and sitting on what is on display otherwise it will not last long
Automatically translated
Written August 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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