Discover Gjirokastër: A Land of History, Culture, and Legacy
The Gjirokastër region, located in southern Albania, is a land where stone meets story, and where centuries of history echo through ancient ruins, Ottoman-era architecture, and vibrant cultural traditions. Known as the “City of Stone,” Gjirokastër and its surrounding areas are not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also a treasure trove of archaeological and historical riches.
This region is home to some of Albania’s most remarkable archaeological sites, including the ancient city of Antigonea, founded in the 3rd century BCE by King Pyrrhus of Epirus, and Hadrianopolis, a Roman settlement whose remains still stand as testimony to the empire’s vast reach. From Illyrian fortresses to Byzantine churches and Ottoman mansions, the layers of history in Gjirokastër unfold like pages of a living museum.
But Gjirokastër is more than its monuments. It has long been a cradle of intellectual, literary, and political thought. The region has given rise to a remarkable number of influential figures who have left a lasting mark on Albanian identity and culture. Among them are:
• Çerçiz Topulli, a national hero and fearless freedom fighter.
• Enver Hoxha, a controversial political leader who shaped Albania’s modern history.
• Ismail Kadare, a globally acclaimed writer whose words captured the soul of his homeland.
• Musine Kokalari, the first Albanian female writer and a symbol of intellectual resistance.
• Eqrem Çabej, a pioneering linguist and champion of the Albanian language.
• Andon Zako Çajupi, a poet and playwright of the National Renaissance.
• Pandeli Sotiri, a trailblazer in Albanian education and publishing.
• Koto Hoxhi, a visionary teacher who fought for education in the Albanian language.
Their lives and legacies are deeply rooted in this region, where visitors can not only explore the physical landscapes that shaped them but also immerse themselves in the spirit of their contributions.
Whether you are wandering through the cobbled streets of Gjirokastër, admiring the sweeping views from the hilltop castle, or visiting the ancestral homes of these historic figures, the experience is one of discovery, inspiration, and deep connection with the Albanian soul.
Prominent Figures of the Gjirokastër Region
1. Çerçiz Topulli (1880–1915)
A national hero and symbol of Albanian resistance, Çerçiz Topulli was born in Gjirokastër and became one of the leading figures in the fight against the Ottoman Empire. Known for his bravery and his legendary attack on an Ottoman official in Gjirokastër, he became an icon of freedom and independence. Today, the city’s main square bears his name and features a prominent monument in his honor.
2. Enver Hoxha (1908–1985)
Born in Gjirokastër, Enver Hoxha led Albania for more than four decades, from the end of World War II until his death in 1985. His legacy is closely tied to the establishment of a socialist state and the country’s subsequent isolation, as well as modernization efforts in various sectors. His birthplace is now the Ethnographic Museum of Gjirokastër and attracts many visitors each year.
3. Ismail Kadare (1936–2024)
One of the greatest figures in Albanian literature and among the most translated Albanian authors worldwide, Ismail Kadare was born in Gjirokastër. His works, such as Chronicle in Stone and The Palace of Dreams, are deeply rooted in the city’s history and atmosphere. His birthplace has been transformed into the Kadare Cultural Center, a great place to explore his legacy.
4. Musine Kokalari (1917–1983)
The first Albanian female writer and one of the most courageous intellectual voices of the 20th century, Musine Kokalari came from Gjirokastër. She co-founded the Social Democratic Party in 1944 and was later imprisoned by the communist regime for her political beliefs. Her literary work and unbroken spirit have made her a symbol of freedom of thought.
5. Eqrem Çabej (1908–1980)
A leading linguist and Albanologist, Eqrem Çabej was born in Gjirokastër and made significant contributions to the study of the Albanian language and its origins. He played a vital role in standardizing modern Albanian. The University of Gjirokastër proudly bears his name in recognition of his academic legacy.
6. Andon Zako Çajupi (1866–1930)
A poet, playwright, and lawyer from the Zagori region of Gjirokastër, Çajupi was a key figure in the Albanian National Renaissance. His literary works, such as the play After Death and the poetry collection Father Tomorr, express patriotic and progressive ideals. He remains one of the most beloved voices in Albanian literature.
7. Pandeli Sotiri (1842–1892)
A prominent figure of the Albanian National Awakening, Pandeli Sotiri was born in the village of Selckë in Gjirokastër. He was one of the initiators of using the Latin alphabet for the Albanian language and contributed to the publication of early Albanian books. He also helped establish the first Albanian school in Korçë and died under mysterious circumstances.
8. Koto Hoxhi (1824–1895)
An early pioneer of Albanian education and a key figure in the National Renaissance, Koto Hoxhi was a devoted teacher and activist from Qestorat, Gjirokastër. He championed the opening of Albanian-language schools and the use of the native language in education, challenging Ottoman rule and foreign influence. His legacy lives on in generations of Albanians educated in their mother tongue.