Gjirokastra (also spelled Gjirokastër) is a town in southern Albania which in 2005 was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a highly historic city and placed on slopes of the Drino River valley, with beautiful scenery and bordered by high mountains.

Also known as the "City of a Thousand Stairs" Gjirokastra is characterized by cobblestone streets and Ottoman-era houses with stone roofs and wooden balconies. Gjirokastra's historic castle is located on top of a hill. The city has something of a checkered past, including in the 20th century being a center for Italian fascist invaders and the birthplace of Communist dictator Enver Hoxha..

Read more in Tripatini member Gerti Boshnjaku's post Visiting Gjirokastra, Albania's 'Stone City.'

Gosiek-B