Gjirokastra UNESCO & Bylis the Illyrian City Day tour from Tirana / Durres / Golem

Our day begins early in the morning with pick-up from Tirana, with the possibility of additional pick-ups from Durrës or Golem, conveniently located along our route heading south. We travel comfortably through the Albanian countryside toward southern Albania.

Our journey begins with a stop at Bylis, one of the most important ancient Illyrian cities in Albania, founded in the 4th century BC. Strategically positioned on a hilltop, Bylis later became a significant urban center during the Roman period, with remains of city walls, theaters, and public buildings still visible today.

Beyond its history, Bylis offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in southern Albania, overlooking the Vjosa River valley and the surrounding hills. This scenic viewpoint provides an excellent introduction to the region and a perfect first stop before continuing our journey towards UNESCO-listed Gjirokastër.

Arrival in Gjirokastër – UNESCO World Heritage Site

We then continue toward Gjirokastër, one of Albania’s most important cultural destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Gjirokastër earned its UNESCO status due to its exceptionally well-preserved Ottoman-era architecture, distinctive stone houses with slate roofs, and its role as a living example of a historic Balkan town that has maintained its original character for centuries.

Gjirokastra Old Bazaar “Qafa e Pazarit”

Once we arrive in the city, you will soon recognize that this metropolis is unlike any other. At the heart of the city lies the main square, proudly named after the renowned Albanian Patriot of the 19th century, Cerciz Topulli. Here, the cobblestone streets culminate in a splendid spectacle, their journey from the castle’s lofty heights finally at an end.
Dating back to the 17th Century, the Ottoman era saw the flourishing of a bustling epicenter that sent its vitality reverberating throughout the city. A hub of economic activity, this was the place where news, gossip and rumors were propagated with remarkable swiftness. All manner of transactions were conducted here, as well as leisurely gatherings over coffee. Countless unions were arranged here, providing the perfect milieu for families to come together prior to the wedding rites.
This day, the city proudly displays its history to all who visit, with a splendid array of souvenirs and stories shared by the affable inhabitants.

Gjirokaster Castle

Majestically, we tread through the bustling Bazaar to reach the grand Gjirokastra Fortress. Upon the hilltop’s natural defenses, it was the first settlement of the city, deeply rooted in the captivating legend of Argjiro, the young princess who sacrificed herself. Thusly, it is commonly referred to as the Crown of the City. Renovated significantly in the 19th Century, it has been used as a fortress and prison by countless regimes and political parties of the past. Undeniably, the Fortress holds great historical significance, yet its stony visage still provides a stunning view of the city, placidly spread along the hills.