Tours and Attractions in Gjirokaster

Arranging a visit to Gjirokaster’s attractions is mostly a matter of knowing where to knock, what to carry and when the doors close. This page answers the questions that come up most, one attraction at a time. All sums are in Albanian lek (ALL) and are paid in cash.

Where do I find the Cold War Tunnel?

Go to the Municipality building by Çerçiz Topulli Square, on Rruga Gjin Zenebisi. The building was once the Party Committee headquarters, and the tunnel entrance is close to it. The Tourist Information office on the square can point the way for the guided visit. A visit costs about 200 ALL and takes 20 to 30 minutes, covering part of a shelter of about 800 m and 59 rooms that was built in secret in the early 1970s. The doors open 09:00 to 18:00 from April to October and 08:00 to 14:00 from November to March.

Who shows me Skënduli House?

Members of the family that looks after it. There are no fixed opening hours, so ask at the door. Between November and March the Lonely Planet guide advises a pre-booked visit. The house dates from 1823, and the price is about 200 to 300 ALL.

What is the difference between Zekate House and the Ethnographic Museum?

Zekate House was built in 1811 to 1812 for Beqir Zeko, and the rooms have no electric light. The Ethnographic Museum is a reconstruction of a Gjirokastrian tower house, built after the house where Enver Hoxha was born in 1908 burned in 1966. It uses elements from several historic houses and has no Hoxha displays. Zekate costs 300 ALL or EUR 3 and opens daily from 08:00 into the evening. The museum costs about 200 to 500 ALL and keeps a midday break in summer.

Can I take a guide up the castle?

Yes, a licensed guide can be arranged, and the fee is yours to agree before you start. The gate ticket is about 400 ALL, and the armaments museum may be a separate charge of about 200 ALL. Plan 1.5 to 2 hours. The castle also holds a former prison from the 20th century, including the communist period.

What about tours of the valleys?

Tours through the Dropull and Drino valleys are run by local operators. Ask what the route covers, how many hours you spend in the vehicle and whether entry fees are included. Prices differ between operators, so ask at least two.

What should I carry?

  • Cash in small notes for every gate and house.
  • Shoes with grip for steep, polished cobbles.
  • Water and a layer, since hours are shorter in winter.
  • A note of closing times, so the early closers come first.

Compare listed tours on GetYourGuide before you pay. The official Zekate House page gives its opening hours.

Read more: walking tours , sightseeing and the 3 day Albania itinerary .