Thus, Gjirokastra Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage reported that, “Tourist visits to Gjirokastra Citadel for the period July 1-31, 2023 have been increasing compared to the same period last year. The citadel was visited by 31,637 visitors or 14,999 more visitors than during the same period in 2022.

The citadel is a monument of rare historical and construction value. It is mentioned for the first time as a city and citadel in 1336.

However, different historians think that the existence of the Stone Citadel dates back earlier. The peak of its history this citadel would have in the period of the Pachalik of Ioannina when Ali Pasha Tepelena would realize a series of new constructions or other interventions, giving to the Gjirokastra Citadel the architectural and construction physiognomy it has today.

Thanks to the historical and architectural values that the stone citadel of Gjirokastra carries, it continues to remain the most favorite monument to be visited by local and foreign tourist groups along their guides and trips in the Gjirokastra area.

/k.s/p.s./