Classical Tour of Albania
Day 4 - Gjirokastra Castle
Dominating the town and now a Museum of Armaments
Inside the main gateway are a series of underground passageways.
To the left, these house the gallery of artillery with examples of weapons either captured from or abandoned by German and Italian forces during the Second World War.
At the end is a small gallery containing a small Italian tank made by Fiat between 1941-3 as well as the Partisan Statue.
There are good views down onto Gjirokastra with the bazaar mosque and madrasah.
At the far end of the terrace is the ‘spy plane’, a USA Lockheed T-33 shooting star, which the Communist regime claim was forced down on a spying mission. In fact the plane had developed technical problems and the pilot sought permission to land at Rinas Airport where the authorities confiscated the plane.
Beyond the open terrace is a large flat area with the National Folk Festival stage. The festival is held every five years and features the best of Albania music, dance and costumes.
Beyond, an archway leads to the Clock Tower, with more good views down onto the Drino Valley and mountains.
