Gjirokaster Bazaar and Palorto Walking Routes

Two self-guided routes cover the old town of Gjirokaster. The short one is a stroll through the bazaar, and the longer one adds Palorto, the stone houses and the castle. Both climb steadily, so pace yourself and drink water. Entry fees are in Albanian lek (ALL), paid in cash.

What to know first

The lanes are made of steep limestone cobbles, polished smooth. They become slick when wet, and a pair of walking shoes with grip makes the day much easier than sandals or smooth soles. Free walking tours are advertised online. If you want one, ask the organiser to confirm the time and meeting place in writing.

Arriving by bus puts you at a roadside stop on the SH4, about 1.5 to 2 km below the old bazaar. A taxi up costs roughly 200 to 500 ALL.

Route one: the bazaar loop, about one hour

  1. Start at Çerçiz Topulli Square. The Tourist Information office is here, and the Municipality building stands nearby.
  2. Walk into Qafa e Pazarit, the main bazaar lane, which is free to enter. The Bazaar Mosque was completed in 1757.
  3. Look for the shop of woodcarver Anastas Petridhi and the Old Bazaar stone-carving workshop of “Master Ermal”.
  4. Return to the square. If you have 30 minutes spare, the guided Cold War Tunnel visit starts near the Municipality building and costs about 200 ALL. It is a museum of the communist period and deserves a serious frame of mind.

Route two: Palorto, houses and castle, about half a day

  1. From the bazaar, climb into Palorto. Ismail Kadare House is at Rruga Fato Berberi 16 and is open daily 09:00 to 17:00. Admission is 500 ALL for individuals.
  2. Visit Zekate House (about 300 ALL), which has no electric light and so is best before 16:00.
  3. Visit Skënduli House (about 200 to 300 ALL), which is shown by the family that owns it and has no set hours.
  4. Climb to the castle for about 400 ALL. The ground is steep and uneven, and the visit takes 1.5 to 2 hours. A former prison from the 20th century, including the communist period, is part of the site, so keep the tone respectful there.

Seasonal planning

In winter the tunnel closes at 14:00, the castle closes earlier and may be shut on Mondays, and Skënduli House works by pre-booked visit from November to March. In summer the Zekate House stays open into the evening, and castle hours run longer in the summer months. Order your day so the early closers come first.

Safety

Albania is a normal destination for visitors. The UK government travel advice has the current notes.

Booking help

For a guided walk, search GetYourGuide . The Zekate House page lists its opening.

Read more: sightseeing and attraction tours .