Castle in Gjirokaster, Albania

The Castle in Gjirokaster is a medieval castle located on a hill above the city of Gjirokaster, southern Albania. The castle was probably built in the 14th century and was first mentioned in written sources in year 1336. In 1417 the castle was seized by the Ottoman troops and was in the 18th century completely rebuilt.



Further additions were also made during the 19th and 20th century by Ali Pasha Tepelene and by the Government of King Zog I, Skanderbeg III of Albania which turned its northern part into a prison. The prison was also used during the communist regime for imprisoning the political opponents. Today the Castle of Gjirokaster is mostly restored and is open to the public as the National Museum of Weapons.