Gjirokastër Castle remains the most popular tourist attraction in southern Albania. More Albanian and international visitors have explored the landmark this summer, highlighting the growing appeal of the UNESCO-listed museum city and its rich cultural heritage.
The Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage reports that about 130,000 people have visited the castle since January. The figure marks an increase of around 12,000 visitors compared with the same period last year.
According to Regional Director of Cultural Heritage Ardis Duka, visitor numbers have grown steadily throughout the year. If this trend continues, the castle could welcome 10 to 12 percent more visitors by the end of 2026 than it did in 2025.
The upward trend has also reached other cultural heritage sites across the region. Churches, archaeological parks, and museums continue to attract travelers interested in the area’s history, architecture, and unique traditions.
Duka said Antigonea Archaeological Park, the Church of the Holy Cross of Labova, as well as the churches of Leusa and Kosina in the Përmet area, have also recorded higher visitor numbers.
With the summer tourism season at its peak, cultural heritage authorities expect visitor numbers to rise even further in the coming weeks.
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