Gjirokastër
Country: Albania
Region: Europe
Period: 1417, 1914
Location: 40.0702°N, 20.1397°E
Description
Gjirokastër, located in southern Albania, served as the capital of the Zenebishi family’s domain in the late 14th and early 15th centuries. Set on a steep hillside above the Drino valley, the city was well-fortified and culturally vibrant, acting as a center of local power in the fragmented Balkans following Byzantine decline.
Modern Remains
The Gjirokastër Castle, expanded by the Zenebishis and Ottomans, remains a dominant feature. The city’s unique stone mansions, medieval layout, and preserved old bazaar are key parts of its identity, recognized today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.