Albania’s Gjirokastër Castle draws tourists worldwide

Gjirokastër Castle, one of Albania’s most iconic cultural monuments, has attracted some 48,000 visitors in the first four months of the year, with around 70% coming from abroad, officials said.

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports of Albania, Blendi Gonxhja, shared images of the castle teeming with tourists, highlighting the growing interest in cultural tourism in Albania’s south, CE Report quotes ATA.

“A picture that speaks more than words. Gjirokastër Castle welcomes visitors from around the world every day, amid history, architecture and unique landscapes,” Gonxhja said, noting that the summer season is just beginning.

Visitors from across Europe and beyond are drawn to the UNESCO-protected city of Gjirokastër to explore its historic architecture, cobblestone streets, and panoramic views over the Drino valley.

Darsi Dhuka, director of Gjirokastër’s Cultural Heritage Directorate, told Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) that from January through early May, roughly 48,000 tourists visited the castle, with nearly 70% being foreign visitors.

“The high number of visitors in the first 12 days of May indicates that the summer season has just started and tourist arrivals are expected to increase significantly in the coming months,” Dhuka said.

Foreign tourists show particular interest in the castle’s monumental architecture, the Weapons Museum housed within the site, and the city’s panoramic vistas. In April alone, 72% of visitors were from over 40 countries worldwide, while 28% were domestic tourists.

“These figures reflect growing international interest in Gjirokastër’s history and culture, as well as increasing engagement from domestic visitors in exploring and appreciating our national heritage,” Gonxhja said.

Interest in visiting Gjirokastër continues to rise year on year, establishing the city as one of Albania’s key cultural tourism destinations. Last year, the castle welcomed 307,000 visitors.

Photo: Facebook/blendigonxhja.al