GJIROKASTRA BAZAAR | Gjirokastër walking with history

The historic bazaar is one of the most important sites to visit. It is thought to have been built in the 17th century but a fire that broke out in 1880 burned it down and was rebuilt in the following years. Various items were sold inside the stores, but they served also as the ateliers where artisan craftsmen such as jewelers, carpenters, and blacksmiths created their products. In this area were also sewing workshops, shoemakers and pharmacies, but also the offices of the best lawyers of the time. The handicraft tradition has been preserved to this day and in souvenir shops one can be find, among other objects, pieces that the masters carve with the stones of the area, as well as the centro fabrics which women weave according using the old tradition inherited between generations.

The efforts of Albanians for centuries to preserve the language endangered by the invaders, but also to teach in their mother tongue, have been extraordinary and with sacrifices that costed lives. This obelisk was built in 1978 in honor of the pioneers of education. The monument is seven meters high and was built with 124 stone blocks which were taken in the village Progonat of Tepelena, a few kilometers from Gjirokastra. These stones are considered rare and have been selected because of their high resistance to natural phenomena. It is located on the highest peak of the Bazaar, from where you can enjoy the view of the entire historic area of ​​the city. Near the Obelisk is the first Albanian school in Gjirokastra ''Liria'' which was opened in 1908. These objects offer the opportunity to learn about the long and arduous journey of Gjirokastra patriots.

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