Gjirokastër County, Administrative division in southern Albania
Gjirokastër County is an administrative region in southern Albania that spans mountain ranges and valleys with numerous stone buildings arranged in traditional settlements. The territory includes several historic towns and rural communities spread across varied terrain.
The area was originally Byzantine territory and became an Ottoman administrative center in 1418. Over centuries it developed into an important regional center for trade and cultural exchange.
The region maintains traditional Albanian crafts such as weaving and pottery, still practiced in small workshops throughout the towns and villages. These skills shape how settlements look and remain woven into daily life here.
Regular bus connections link the county's towns with larger Albanian cities and provide straightforward access. Mountain roads reach remote villages but require time to navigate and can be affected by weather conditions.
The territory contains settlements where iso-polyphonic singing traditions are passed down through generations and recognized by UNESCO as intangible heritage. These multi-voice songs are found in few places worldwide and shape the identity of these communities.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
