Gjirokaster walking Tour The Old Baazar, Cfake, Dunavat, Ali Pasha Bridge

Gjirokastra Walking Tour Reveals Hidden Heritage and Ottoman-Era Charm

A guided walking experience through Gjirokastra’s historic core is offering visitors an intimate look at the city’s layered past, beginning in the heart of the old town at Cerciz Topulli Square. From this central meeting point, the tour moves toward the former Old Bazaar area, once a bustling market hub and now a preserved cultural space that reflects the character of one of Albania’s most historically significant cities.

The route continues through cobblestone streets lined with traditional stone houses, many of which represent some of the oldest surviving residential architecture in the region. Set beneath the castle walls, these neighbourhoods reveal the early expansion of the city beyond its fortified centre. The walk also crosses the “Zerzebili” bridge and enters the “Cfaka” district, an area known for its heritage homes and the presence of a historic Bektashi tekke, adding spiritual and cultural depth to the journey.

Blending urban history with natural scenery, the experience unfolds against a backdrop of rolling hills where grazing livestock and quiet stone pathways create a timeless rural atmosphere. The surroundings highlight the balance between human settlement and landscape, offering a glimpse into the traditional way of life that has shaped the region for centuries.

The tour concludes at the Ali Pasha Bridge, an impressive remnant of an aqueduct system constructed over 200 years ago to supply water to the castle above. Stretching across the landscape, the structure stands as a testament to the engineering achievements of Ali Pasha Tepelena’s era. Lasting approximately three hours and involving uneven terrain, the walk is designed for comfortable footwear and rewards visitors with a rich blend of history, architecture and natural beauty.