Gjirokastër Fortress
| Gjirokastër Fortress | |
|---|---|
Kalaja e Gjirokastrës or Kalaja e Argjirosë | |
| Gjirokastër, Southern Albania | |
Gjirokastër Castle | |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Albania |
| Controlled by | Byzantine Empire Despotate of Epirus Zenevisi family Ottoman Empire Albania |
| Open to the public | Yes |
| Location | |
| Coordinates | 40°04′26″N 20°08′28″E / 40.074°N 20.141°E |
| Site history | |
| Built | 12th Century CE |
| Materials | Ancient blocks |
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Gjirokastër Castle (Albanian: Kalaja e Gjirokastrës or Kalaja e Argjirosë) is a fortress in Gjirokastër, Albania (during Ottoman rule it was historically known as Ergiri while local Greeks referred to it as Argyrokastro, a name applied also to the castle). Gjirokastër Castle is situated at a height of 336 metres (1,102 ft).
The castle dominates the town and overlooks the strategically important route along the river valley. It is open to visitors and contains a military museum featuring captured artillery and memorabilia of the Communist resistance against German occupation, as well as a captured United States Air Force plane to commemorate the Communist regime's struggle against the Western powers.