Gjirokastër Castle

Gjirokastër Castle

American Spyplane shot down during communist regime

Gjirokastër Castle (Albanian:Kalaja e Gjirokastrës) is a castle in Gjirokastër, Albania (historically known as Argyrokastro, a name then applied also to the castle).

The castle dominates the town and overlooks the strategically important route along the river valley. It is open to visitors and contains a military museum featuring captured artillery and memorabilia of the Communist resistance against German occupation, as well as a captured United States Air Force plane to commemorate the Communist regime's struggle against the "imperialist" western powers.

The citadel has existed in various forms since before the 12th century. Extensive renovations and a westward addition was added by Ali Pasha of Tepelene after 1812. The government of King Zog expanded the castle prison in 1932.

Today it possesses five towers and houses, the new Gjirokaster Museum, a clock tower, a church, a cistern, the stage of the National Folk Festival, and many other points of interest.

The castle's prison was used extensively by Zog's government and housed political prisoners during the Communist regime.

References

This article incorporates information from the equivalent article on the Albanian Wikipedia.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Gjirokastër Castle.

v t e Gjirokastër Landmarks Dhuvjan Monastery Gjirokastër Castle Holy Transfiguration Church Gjirokastër Artisan Handicrafts Centre Gjirokastër Mosque Meçite Mosque Gjirokastër Ethnographic Museum National Museum of Arms Seven Fountains and Hamam Skënduli House Gjirokastër Obelisk Çerçiz Topulli Square Zekate House Subi Bakiri Stadium Melan Tekke Ali Pasha Bridge Gjirokastër Old Bazaar Teqe Mosque Culture and Sports Gjirokastër National Folklore Festival Iso-Polifonia Laiko Vima Luftëtari Gjirokastër Education Eqerem Çabej University Gjirokastër Gymnasium

Coordinates: 40°04′26″N 20°08′28″E / 40.074°N 20.141°E / 40.074; 20.141