Gjirokaster

About

Originating from the 4th century hilltop castle, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers visitors unspoiled Balkan beauty. In fact, the second largest fortress in the Balkans maintains a downed American fighter to memorialize their resistance to Western influence. As you work your way through the town’s cobblestone streets to the bazaar, with its 16th century mosque, you can stop to visit some of the town’s iconic stone buildings. One of the most characteristic is the magnificent 19th century home of the Zekati family, with its twin towers and carved wood ceilings. While there, be sure to try some of the regional specialties like pasha qofte, shapkat, or oshaf with dried figs.