Photo: Vivavino, Public Domain — Wikimedia Commons
Visit the City of Gjirokastra
The museum city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its stone houses.
Gjirokastra, known as the "stone city", is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most atmospheric cities in southern Albania. The journey from Golem takes about 2.5-3 hours, so it's recommended for a full-day trip.
The city's historic centre is characterised by large stone houses with defensive towers, typical of Ottoman architecture from the 17th-19th centuries. Gjirokastra Castle, one of the largest in the Balkans, offers a stunning view over the city and houses the Weapons Museum and an American plane captured during the Cold War.
The Old Bazaar, with its traditional silver and craft shops, is the ideal place to buy authentic souvenirs. Gjirokastra is also the birthplace of the writer Ismail Kadare and the former dictator Enver Hoxha, two figures who have marked Albanian history.
For those looking for a mix of history, architecture and authentic southern culture, Gjirokastra is one of the most worthwhile trips you can take during your stay in Golem.