TIRANA, Aug 20 /ATA/ – Gjirokastra Castle attracted 161,274 visitors in the first seven months of 2026, up 13% from the same period last year, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said on Thursday.
Gonxhja said the historic citadel continued to attract growing numbers of visitors thanks to its distinctive historical, cultural and architectural heritage.
Built above the southern city of Gjirokastra, the castle is one of Albania’s most important cultural heritage sites and a major stop on tourist itineraries in the south of the country.
The centuries-old fortress offers visitors a combination of history and scenery, including panoramic views over Gjirokastra and the Drin valley.
The increase in visitor numbers in the first seven months of the year reflects growing interest in Gjirokastra and its heritage assets, as the city strengthens its position among Albania’s leading destinations for domestic and international tourists.
The figures come as cultural tourism gains a growing role in Albania’s tourism offering, promoting the country’s history, traditions and cultural identity.
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