Ardenica Monastery, founded in the 13th century by the Byzantine Emperor Andronikos II, is one of Albania’s most important Orthodox monasteries still preserved in excellent condition. Surrounded by olive groves and countryside views, the complex includes the Church of St. Mary, famous for its beautifully painted 18th-century frescoes created by the renowned Albanian iconographers Kostandin and Athanas Zografi. The monastery has long been a spiritual and cultural center, and it is also traditionally linked to the wedding of the national hero Skanderbeg, adding to its historical significance.
, we shall journey towards Gjirokastra, a place 230 kilometers away, renowned for its remarkable preservation of the Ottoman architecture and its prominent agricultural land. We will traverse through the depths of Southern Albania, admiring the green fields that the countryside has to offer. Along our path, we shall be accompanied by the Vjosa River, one of the few untamed rivers of Albania and the surrounding Balkan region.
Gjirokastra Bazaar
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.
Gjirokastra 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, Thusly, it is commonly referred to as the Crown of the City.
On Mondays the castle is closed so instead we visit the Skenduli House , a heritage house of the 1800s to see how people lived at the time and to learn more about the life and traditions of the time.
