13 Hidden Spots in Gjirokastra Bazaar & Stone City (2025 Guide)

Picture yourself walking through a city where more than 500 Ottoman-era houses stand as protected cultural monuments. This is Gjirokastra, Albania’s “Stone City” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its slate-roofed houses and cobblestone streets share stories from centuries past.

The gjirokastra bazaar has roots in the 17th century, and it’s much more than just a historical landmark. This former Ottoman commercial hub was rebuilt after a devastating fire in the 19th century. Today, it’s alive with local artisans who sell traditional crafts – everything from handwoven rugs to intricate woodwork. The main tourist spots are fascinating, and there are hidden corners that wait to be explored.

My adventures through every corner of this ancient marketplace and the Stone City led me to 13 secret spots that most visitors never see. These hidden courtyards and forgotten workshops show you the real heart of Gjirokastra that you won’t find in guidebooks.

Hidden Ottoman Courtyard Behind Skenduli House

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The stone walls of Skenduli House hide one of Gjirokastra’s most fascinating secrets. This Ottoman mansion, built in 1823 during the city’s golden age, shows off Albania’s wealthy past and architectural excellence.

Historical Significance of the Courtyard

The Skenduli House started as a wealthy landowner’s home and features two distinct courtyards that showcase Ottoman architectural brilliance. This remarkable property still has its original features intact – 46 chimneys, decorated ceilings, and intricate wooden poles. The sophisticated locks and many loopholes throughout the building tell stories of its defensive role during troubled times.

Best Time to Visit for Photos

Photographers will get their best shots early in the morning or late afternoon. These golden hours create dramatic shadows on the stone walls and wooden balconies, especially in the courtyard area. The property sees fewer visitors at these times, which means you can capture uninterrupted shots of the traditional Ottoman architecture.

How to Access the Secret Entrance

Local knowledge helps you find your way in. The courtyard’s access point sits down a narrow lane at the house’s lowest level. A Skenduli family member, usually Nasip Skenduli, takes visitors through the property. You’ll need 200 Leke to enter, and while there’s no fixed schedule, family members are ready to give tours anytime.

The house’s architectural features include:

• 12 rooms with 44 doors and 64 windows
• 6 bathrooms and 4 traditional Turkish baths (hamams)
• A special mix of internal and external staircases

The property remains one of Gjirokastra’s most authentic buildings. Tours here are a great way to learn about daily life, gender roles, and celebration traditions from the Ottoman period.

The Forgotten Artisan’s Workshop

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Deep within the winding lanes of the gjirokastra bazaar, a rhythmic sound of hammer meeting chisel echoes from a small workshop. Master Ermal works here, carrying on his family’s stone-carving legacy. He’s the son of one of Gjirokastra’s most renowned artisans.

Traditional Stone Carving Demonstrations

Master Ermal shows visitors how to learn this ancient craft through hands-on demonstrations. The workshop has all the tools and materials you’ll need, whether you’re a beginner or an enthusiast. Each session takes about 2 hours and costs 44 euros per person. You’ll leave with your own hand-carved creation, and you can choose between white or black stone as your canvas.

Meeting the Last Stone Craftsman

Master Ermal learned his craft from his father, who spent over 25 years as a stone-carver. His workshop shows how limestone becomes art. We create detailed carvings of:

• Traditional Albanian eagles
• Local architectural landmarks
• Decorative welcome signs
• Custom name plates

Shopping for Authentic Stone Souvenirs

You’ll find an array of finished pieces to buy at the workshop. Decorated stones cost between 20 and 50 euros. Each piece shows the city’s stone heritage and makes a unique souvenir. The shop specializes in relief carvings that capture Gjirokastra’s architectural elements and cultural symbols.

Safety is our top priority during demonstrations. Everyone gets masks, safety glasses, and gloves. Master Ermal handles all heavy equipment to keep visitors safe. Small groups work best here, with no more than three participants in each session.

Secret Rooftop Terrace at Zekate House

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The grand Zekate House, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, sits at one of Gjirokastra’s highest points. Built in 1811-1812, this fortified tower house shows off its twin towers and double-arched entrance. Visitors can enjoy some of the city’s most spectacular views from this vantage point.

Panoramic Views of Gjirokastra Bazaar

The wooden balcony near the central staircase gives visitors a chance to see the entire landscape. The breathtaking view covers the historic Gjirokastra bazaar, the dramatic Drino River valley, and the surrounding mountains. The house’s height offers a unique viewpoint of the traditional slate roofs that make this UNESCO World Heritage Site special.

Photography Tips and Best Times

Photographers will find paradise on the rooftop terrace during golden hours. The best times to take photos are:

• Early morning as sunlight lights up the valley
• Late afternoon when shadows stretch across the bazaar
• Sunset hours to capture the city’s warm glow

Try different angles from the wooden balcony to get the best shots. The surrounding Ottoman houses make stunning subjects against the backdrop of hills.

How to Request Rooftop Access

Local caretakers manage the house and welcome visitors all day. You’ll need to check with the house staff to access the rooftop terrace. The top floor room is the highlight of any visit, with its impressive frescos and wooden ceiling. After your tour, the outdoor cozy bar serves refreshments while you take in the panoramic views.

Ancient Underground Wine Cellar

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Hidden beneath the cobblestone streets of the gjirokastra bazaar, Albania’s wine heritage lives in ancient cellars that date back to the Bronze Age. These underground chambers protect one of Europe’s oldest winemaking traditions, which started over 3,000 years ago.

History of the Wine Cellar

Ancient Illyrians and Greeks were the first to grow vines in this region. The wine culture thrived here, and Pliny the Elder praised Illyrian wine’s exceptional sweetness. Wine production peaked during the communist era in 1972, with 23 operating wineries and 47 grape production sites.

Local Wine Tasting Experience

The cellar gives visitors a chance to discover Albanian wines. Wine lovers can taste distinctive varieties including:

• Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir
• Sangiovese and Riesling
• Native Albanian Kallmet and Shesh grapes

Local delicacies complement these wines and create perfect flavor combinations. Guests can also try unique vintages, including a special 5-year-old selection.

Guided Cellar Tours

Expert guides lead small group tours through the underground chambers. Visitors learn about vineyard terroir and Albania’s unique grape varieties. They share winemaking techniques that families have passed down through generations. Each tour ends with a tasting session that features homemade Albanian cheese and local olives.

The cellar’s temperature stays perfect year-round and protects centuries-old winemaking traditions. Guides tell fascinating stories about Albania’s winemaking heritage and explain both ancient methods and new techniques. The country’s best wine regions now spread across Berat, Korçë, Tiranë, Durrës, and the area between Lezhë and Shkodër.

Hidden Mosque Garden

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The Bazaar Mosque stands at the center of the gjirokastra bazaar, a peaceful sanctuary from the 17th century. This architectural masterpiece emerged from Memi Pasha’s vision and gives visitors a quiet escape from the busy marketplace.

Peaceful Garden Features

The mosque’s garden displays traditional Islamic design elements around its octagonal-shaped washing area where the faithful perform ritual cleansing. The historic Seven Fountains built into the mosque’s foundations create a meditative atmosphere with flowing water. The garden design creates quiet spaces that encourage reflection and prayer.

Historical Significance

The Bazaar Mosque remains the only survivor among 15 mosques that once existed in Gjirokastra. The mosque survived destruction by communist authorities in the late 1960s because of its status as a cultural monument. The building served as a circus acrobat training hall during the communist era but later returned to its original purpose as a place of worship. The mosque’s minaret with its 99 steps symbolizes the 99 names of God in the Quran, showing its rich heritage.

Best Times for Quiet Reflection

You can experience the most peaceful moments about 15 minutes after the five daily calls to prayer while the imam is present. Visitors can enter from Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM. The soft light at sunset creates a magical atmosphere that’s perfect for photography and quiet reflection.

Religious customs require separate entrances for men and women. Visitors need to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the prayer hall. The main prayer room has a mihrab where the imam leads prayers facing Mecca and a minbar used to deliver weekly messages.

The Cobbler’s Secret Alley

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A skilled group of craftsmen keeps centuries-old traditions alive in a narrow cobblestone alley of the Gjirokastra bazaar. Their workshop sits in the ‘five corner’ area and showcases authentic shoemaking methods passed down through generations.

Traditional Shoe Making Demonstrations

Local cobblers create each pair of shoes with techniques that span centuries. They specialize in traditional Albanian styles, crafting “sheshëla” – flat shoes with distinctive embroidered upper parts. Each customer gets their arch, ball, and heel measured to ensure their shoes fit perfectly.

Shopping for Handmade Albanian Shoes

The workshop’s collection includes:

• Custom-made dress shoes (30 Euro, 48-hour completion)
• Traditional wool and leather moccasins (56.99 Euro)
• Vintage leather slippers with sequin embroidery (54.36 Euro)

The shoes now come with synthetic soles that absorb shock better than traditional leather ones. Customers get exceptional craftsmanship at prices that remain available to anyone wanting authentic Albanian footwear.

Meeting Local Artisans

The workshop’s location near the bazaar’s heart makes it easy to visit throughout the day. You’ll find the master cobbler sharing his deep knowledge of traditional techniques. Visitors can also watch artisans create colorful woolen stockings with rounded lines and small rosettes that pair beautifully with the traditional footwear.

This workshop remains one of the last authentic artisanal spaces in the bazaar. Supporting these skilled craftsmen helps preserve traditional methods that represent a rare form of handmade craftsmanship.

Grandmother’s Kitchen in the Bazaar

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A elderly couple preserves culinary traditions in their family-run kitchen, nestled in a quiet corner of the gjirokastra bazaar where aromatic spices blend with fresh-baked bread’s scent.

Traditional Albanian Cooking

The kitchen works on a farm-to-table concept and sources ingredients directly from local farmers or the owner’s backyard. This steadfast dedication to freshness shows in every served dish. Childhood memories of village cooking inspire the elderly couple to create authentic Albanian dishes with bio ingredients and traditional methods.

Secret Family Recipes

The kitchen’s specialty includes several traditional Gjirokastrian dishes:

• Oshaf: A pudding crafted from dried figs, cooked in milk and garnished with cinnamon
• Shapkat: A distinctive corn pie filled with spinach, leeks, onions, and feta cheese
• Qifqi: Traditional rice balls seasoned with herbs, a local delicacy
• Trahana: A savory Albanian pottage topped with bread, butter, and white cheese

The owners give an explanation about mountain herbs and their medicinal properties that generations have passed down. Visitors can join cooking classes to learn two traditional recipes and a dessert, complete with secret family ingredients.

Best Times to Visit

The best time to dine here is between April and November. Early lunch hours provide a quieter atmosphere. The kitchen keeps reasonable prices and offers sharing platters to sample multiple local specialties. This experience goes way beyond the reach and influence of regular dining – it’s a journey into Albanian culinary heritage where each dish tells a story of tradition and family legacy.

The Forgotten Stone Staircase

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The ancient staircases of Stone City wind through Gjirokastra’s heart and tell stories of its rich past. A dedicated team under stonemason Simi Lukani’s leadership created an intricate network of pathways between 1960 and 1980. They laid over 60,000 square meters of street pavements that shape the city’s character today.

Historical Background

These stone staircases showcase architectural ingenuity and historical struggle from the communist era. The pathways link different city levels and climb from the gjirokastra bazaar to the majestic castle 360 meters above sea level. Some staircase sections date back to Ottoman times, marking the city’s expansion in concentric circles.

Best Photo Opportunities

The stone steps make stunning photography spots throughout the day:

• Soft light bathes limestone surfaces at dawn
• Intricate stonework patterns shine at midday
• Steps cast dramatic shadows at sunset

Start at the lower bazaar level to frame perfect shots of the castle above. The traditional houses appear to flow down the mountainside in your frame. These spots give you unique views of what Ismail Kadare called “a slanted city, set at a sharper angle than perhaps any other city on earth”.

Local Legends

Stories of the past echo through these staircases beyond their everyday use. Each step holds tales that unfold as you climb toward the castle or head down to the bazaar. Kadare made an interesting observation: “if you slipped and fell in the street, you might well land on the roof of a house”. This architectural quirk reflects the city’s unique topography and building style.

The “paths of a thousand steps” connect the ethnographic museum, traditional houses, and other historical landmarks. These stone pathways are vital arteries that link the upper and lower sections of Gjirokastra’s UNESCO-protected urban landscape.

Hidden Raki Distillery

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The historic Gjirokastra bazaar houses a traditional kazan (still) that produces Albania’s beloved spirit using age-old methods. The Melesin family runs their distillery and makes raki from local grapes and juniper berries picked from mountain slopes.

Traditional Distilling Process

The team selects perfectly ripe grapes to start production. The process involves several significant stages:

• Grape mush fermentation takes 28-32 days
• A custom-made still distills the mixture for about 6 hours
• Clean, dry white cotton filters ensure the spirit’s purity

The distiller keeps a close eye on temperature and watches the fire to keep smoke from affecting the raki’s quality. Each batch turns 120 liters of fermented grape mixture into roughly 30 liters of raki.

Raki Tasting Experience

This spirit shows off its clear appearance with subtle yellow hints. The nose reveals complex ripe fruit notes, and the taste delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. Visitors can enjoy guided tastings with local meze that includes white cheese with olive oil drizzles and traditional olives.

Meeting the Distiller

The distiller’s expertise shines through their precise alcohol measurements, which start at 50 degrees (percent). They watch for bubble patterns that show alcohol strength throughout the process. This goes beyond just making spirits – it celebrates Albania’s heritage, as raki remains at the heart of local hospitality and celebrations.

Modern quality controls blend seamlessly with traditional methods at the distillery. Multiple filtrations refine each batch before bottling, creating a spirit that showcases centuries of Albanian craftsmanship.

Secret Spice Merchant’s Corner

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The aromatic world of the Gjirokastra bazaar holds a special corner that tells the story of Albania’s culinary heritage through its remarkable spices and herbs. This historic marketplace keeps the age-old traditions of flavor and healing alive.

Local Spice Collections

The bazaar’s collection showcases the heart of traditional Gjirokastrian cooking. These prized herbs include:

• Bay leaf to enhance meat dishes
• Marjoram and oregano for perfect seasoning
• Basil and mint that add fresh flavors
• Parsley and dill that brighten dishes
• Cinnamon and cloves in local desserts
• Sweet-scented geranium that makes wonderful teas
• Fenugreek with its unique aroma

Traditional Remedies

These herbs serve two purposes – they make food taste better and work as traditional medicine. The spice merchants love to share their knowledge about herb combinations and remedies. Local families still create natural solutions for common ailments with these ingredients. This practice connects today’s Gjirokastra to its Ottoman heritage, where spices played a vital role in cooking and healing.

Shopping Tips

The market bursts with colors, offering everything from dried herbs to fresh spices. You’ll find local honey, nuts, and dried fruits next to traditional spice blends. The sort of thing I love about the merchants is their warmth – they share fascinating stories about their products’ origins and uses.

The best time to visit is early morning when fresh supplies arrive. You might get better deals in the late afternoon. Most spice merchants let you sample their products so you can experience the aromas and flavors before buying.

This spice corner means more than just shopping – it’s where food traditions blend with local culture to create a genuine Albanian experience.

The Lost Ottoman Hammam

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The Ottoman hammam, a forgotten architectural treasure, sits near the historic Gjirokastra bazaar. This remarkable structure served as the city’s main communal bathhouse. The building’s design shows evidence of the city’s rich Ottoman heritage and functioned as both a cleansing facility and social hub.

Historical Significance

The hammam was central to Gjirokastra’s daily life and served as a communal space where residents gathered to bathe and socialize. This bathhouse was more than just a cleaning facility – it embodied Ottoman traditions of cleanliness and relaxation. Through centuries, the structure became a symbol of the Balkans’ cultural diversity.

Architectural Features

The hammam showcases classic Ottoman architectural elements:

• Domed ceilings with small glass openings for natural light
• Three distinct chambers: hararet (hot room), ılıklık (warm room), and soğukluk (cold room)
• Stone and brick construction with intricate interior decorations

Stone and brick layers alternate throughout the building to create a distinctive visual pattern. The Gjirokastra Conservation and Development Organization has completed recent repairs to the roof, which helps preserve this historical landmark for future generations.

Photography Tips

The hammam’s unique architecture creates compelling photo opportunities. Small glass openings in the domed ceiling cast dramatic light patterns throughout the day. The stone and brick patterns offer interesting textural contrasts for detail shots. Photographers can capture the best shots during early morning or late afternoon as sunlight streams through the glass openings and creates atmospheric beams inside.

The structure needs restoration, but its grandeur shines through the surviving architectural details. This Ottoman bathhouse stands as one of the few remaining examples in the region and gives visitors insight into historical Gjirokastra’s sophisticated urban planning.

Hidden Textile Workshop

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The Gjirokastra bazaar’s Artisan Center welcomes visitors through its arched doorways, where skilled artisans keep Albania’s textile heritage alive. This dynamic center displays 450 products crafted by 45 artisans from regions across Albania.

Traditional Weaving Demonstrations

Gjirokastra’s weaving traditions create intricate patterns with wool and silk fibers. Weavers choose natural dyes that result in timeless color combinations. Visitors can watch artisans at work on traditional looms as they demonstrate techniques handed down through generations.

Shopping for Authentic Textiles

The center’s impressive collection includes handwoven items:

• Decorative rugs and kilims
• Traditional costumes
• Silk embroidery pieces
• Cotton fabrics

Customers can request custom designs and have their pieces shipped worldwide. The shop maintains fair prices while supporting local artisans and preserving traditional craft skills.

Meeting Local Weavers

Ruhije Bineri started her textile craft at age 20 and now owns a thriving shop in the bazaar. She teaches traditional Albanian weaving to local women to keep this ancient craft alive. The Gjiro Art collective brings together 10-15 craftspeople who create stunning textile pieces.

The center doubles as a shop and learning space where locals develop their craft and marketing skills. Each handcrafted piece captures Albania’s rich heritage through detailed tapestries and vibrant rugs.

The Secret Sunset Spot

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The Obelisk monument stands high above Gjirokastra’s slate-roofed houses and gives you a perfect spot to capture the city’s golden moments. This hidden gem sits in the old town’s heart and shows stunning views of the valley.

Best Photography Times

Sunset brings the best photo opportunities when the sun dips behind the hills. You should get there an hour before sunset to catch the warm light that bathes the valley. The light creates beautiful shadows and golden hues on the Ottoman-era buildings, making it one of the city’s most stunning photo spots.

How to Access

You’ll need to take a short walk to the 4 Rooms Hotel to find this secret spot. The stairs through the hotel’s garden lead straight to the Obelisk. Google Maps marks the exact spot, where you’ll get a 180-degree view of Gjirokastra’s mountain backdrop. The castle is another great place to watch the sunset, but you should check when it closes during different seasons.

Local Stories

The Manalat District stays quieter than other parts of town and has its own sunset magic. Local shepherds bring their goats here, creating authentic scenes against the setting sun. The valley becomes a beautiful mix of shadows and light as night falls, showing why people call Gjirokastra the “City of Stone”.

Most tourists don’t know about this spot, so you’ll get a peaceful view of the city’s most magical moments. The view shows not just the castle but also all the Ottoman-era houses that make Gjirokastra a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Comparison Table

Hidden Spot	Location Description	Historical Significance	Best Time to Visit	Notable Features	Access/Entry Details
Hidden Ottoman Courtyard	Behind Skenduli House	Built in 1823 during city’s golden age	Early morning or late afternoon	46 chimneys, 12 rooms, 44 doors, 64 windows	200 Leke entry fee; family-guided tours available
Forgotten Artisan’s Workshop	Deep within bazaar lanes	Stone-carving family heritage	Not mentioned	Traditional stone carvings, eagles, architectural landmarks	44 euros per person for 2-hour demonstration
Secret Rooftop Terrace	Atop Zekate House	Built in 1811-1812	Golden hours and sunset	Twin towers, double-arched entrance, wooden balcony	Contact house staff for access
Ancient Underground Wine Cellar	Beneath bazaar streets	Over 3,000 years old	Not mentioned	Local Albanian wines, temperature-controlled chambers	Guided tours with wine tasting available
Hidden Mosque Garden	Heart of bazaar	Last remaining of 15 original mosques	15 mins after daily prayers	Seven Fountains, 99-step minaret, octagonal washing area	Open Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Cobbler’s Secret Alley	‘Five corner’ area of bazaar	Centuries-old tradition	Throughout the day	Traditional sheshëla shoes, custom footwear	Prices range 30-57 Euro
Grandmother’s Kitchen	Quiet corner of bazaar	Family-preserved traditions	April to November, early lunch hours	Traditional dishes like Oshaf, Shapkat, Qifqi	Cooking classes available
Forgotten Stone Staircase	Throughout Stone City	Built 1960-1980, with Ottoman elements	Dawn and sunset for photos	60,000 square meters of pavements	Free public access
Hidden Raki Distillery	Within bazaar	Traditional family operation	Not mentioned	Custom-made still, 30L yield per batch	Guided tastings with local meze
Secret Spice Merchant’s Corner	Within bazaar	Ancient marketplace tradition	Early morning for fresh supplies	Traditional herbs, spices, remedies	Free access, samples available
Lost Ottoman Hammam	Near bazaar	Former main communal bathhouse	Early morning or late afternoon	Three chambers, domed ceilings, stone-brick construction	Under restoration
Hidden Textile Workshop	Artisan Center in bazaar	45 artisans producing 450 products	Not mentioned	Traditional looms, natural dyes, handwoven items	Shop access with custom orders available
Secret Sunset Spot	Near 4 Rooms Hotel	Not mentioned	Hour before sunset	180-degree panoramic views, Obelisk monument	Free access through hotel garden

Conclusion

Gjirokastra is much more than a UNESCO World Heritage site. My exploration of these 13 hidden spots led me to find a living museum where ancient traditions thrive daily. Each location has its own story of Albania’s rich heritage – from Ottoman courtyards to secret rooftop terraces.

These hidden corners give you authentic experiences missing from standard tourist guides. Local craftsmen still carve stone by hand, while elderly couples keep centuries-old recipes alive. Traditional weavers create intricate textiles using age-old methods. These artisans are the last guardians of skills their families passed down for generations.

The bazaar and Stone City’s winding paths showed me places where past and present blend naturally. Life seems frozen in time among ancient wine cellars, forgotten hammams, and secret staircases. These spots give you a peek into Albania’s soul, away from crowded tourist routes.

Many historic cities change with modern development, but Gjirokastra’s hidden treasures stay preserved in time. Curious travelers can find their stories in these 13 locations. The most memorable experiences often wait just around the corner, behind an old door, or up a forgotten staircase.