Gjirokastër Fortress

Gjirokastër Castle (Albanian: Kalaja e Gjirokastrës or Kalaja e Argjirosë) is a fortress in Gjirokastër, Albania (during Ottoman rule it was historically known as Ergiri while local Greeks referred to it as Argyrokastro, a name applied also to the castle). Gjirokastër Castle is situated at a height of 336 metres (1,102 ft).

Gjirokastër Fortress
Kalaja e Gjirokastrës or Kalaja e Argjirosë
Gjirokastër, Southern Albania
Gjirokastër Castle
Gjirokastër Fortress
Coordinates40.074°N 20.141°E / 40.074; 20.141
Site information
Owner Albania
Controlled by Byzantine Empire
Despotate of Epirus
Zenevisi family
 Ottoman Empire
 Albania
Open to
the public
Yes
Site history
Built12th Century CE
MaterialsAncient blocks

The castle dominates the town and overlooks the strategically important route along the river valley. It is open to visitors and contains a military museum featuring captured artillery and memorabilia of the Communist resistance against German occupation, as well as a captured United States Air Force plane to commemorate the Communist regime's struggle against the Western powers.

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