Gjirokaster: Old Baazar and Cfaka Walking Tour

Explore the historic heart of Gjirokaster with the Gjirokaster: Old Baazar and Cfaka Walking Tour. This 3-hour journey takes you through the charming Old Bazaar, the Cfaka neighborhood, and culminates at the impressive Ali Pasha Bridge. Led by an experienced guide from My Tour in Italy, this tour provides rich insights into the town’s Ottoman-era architecture and local stories.

While the terrain is not always smooth, making sturdy shoes a good idea, the tour offers a captivating glimpse into Gjirokaster’s past. It’s perfect for visitors interested in authentic architecture, local history, and scenic views. Families and history enthusiasts will find this tour particularly compelling, though they should be prepared for some walking on uneven paths.

Key Points

• Duration: Approximately 3 hours with a guided tour
• Stops include: Old Bazaar, Cfaka neighborhood, Ali Pasha Bridge
• Highlights: Cobblestone streets, historic houses, ancient aqueduct remains
• Language: Guided in English and Albanian
• Physical effort: Moderate, with walking on uneven terrain
• Start/end point: Cerciz Topulli Square, central Gjirokaster

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting at Cerciz Topulli Square in Gjirokaster

This walking tour begins at the statue of Çerçiz Topulli in the center of Gjirokaster’s main square. From here, you immediately get a sense of the town’s significance and history. The starting point is easy to find, setting the stage for a well-organized exploration of the old town.

The guide will gather the group here before heading towards the Old Bazaar. This area, though no longer functioning as a marketplace, retains its original charm with cobblestone streets and some of the oldest houses in town. Expect a guided 30-minute walk through this neighborhood, where your guide will share stories about the architecture and history.

Exploring the Old Bazaar Beyond Its Name

While the Old Bazaar isn’t a bustling market anymore, it remains one of the most picturesque parts of Gjirokaster. The cobbled streets and historic houses showcase traditional Ottoman architecture, making it a favorite spot for photos and wandering.

Passing beneath the castle walls, the neighborhood’s charm is enhanced by the aged stone buildings and quiet narrow alleys. The guide will point out specific features and share insights into the area’s past, offering a vivid picture of life in Ottoman-era Gjirokaster.

Crossing the Zerzebili Bridge into Cfaka Neighborhood

After exploring the Old Bazaar, we cross the Zerzebili Bridge to reach Cfaka, another ancient neighborhood firmly rooted in Gjirokaster’s history. Here, you’ll see old houses classified as first monument category, highlighting their cultural significance.

This part of the tour offers a glimpse of rural life preserved in the town’s outskirts. You’ll pass old houses and get a sense of the area’s traditional landscape. The guide also shows a tekke belonging to the Bektashi Order, adding a spiritual dimension to the walk through this historic area.

The walk through Cfaka is scenic, with views of hills dotted with sheep, blending nature with architectural history. Expect some uneven terrain, so wear good shoes to comfortably enjoy this part of the visit.

The Ali Pasha Bridge: A Testament to Engineering and History

The final destination on this tour is the Ali Pasha Bridge, a magnificent relic from over 200 years ago. Originally part of an aqueduct built by Ali Pasha Tepelena, the bridge once supplied water to the castle area.

Standing on or near the bridge, you can appreciate the engineering skills of the past. The guide will explain the bridge’s role in the town’s water supply system, adding a tangible connection to the Ottoman period. This spot offers excellent photo opportunities and a peaceful conclusion to your walk.

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Practical Details: Meeting Point, Duration, and Terrain

The tour begins at Cerciz Topulli Square and ends back at the same location, making logistics straightforward. It lasts around 3 hours, including guided segments and walking time.

Participants should be prepared for walking on uneven and uncalibrated paths, which can be strenuous. The terrain is not always smooth, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The tour is guided in English and Albanian, with the guide sharing detailed stories along the way.

The Guide: Knowledge and Extra Tips

The guide, provided by My Tour in Italy, receives praise for their extra effort and ability to tell engaging stories about the sites. Reviews note that the guide went beyond the basics, even offering local food suggestions afterward, which adds a personal touch to the experience.

A reviewer highlighted the guide’s expertise, making the walk not only informative but also enjoyable. The guide’s storytelling ability makes the history of Gjirokaster come alive, and their patience helps answer questions along the route.

Flexibility and Booking Options

This tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing peace of mind in case plans change. You can reserve now and pay later, which helps keep your options open.

Availability varies, so checking start times in advance is advised. The tour is suitable for those who enjoy walking and exploring on foot, especially those interested in Ottoman architecture and local history.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour offers a rich experience, the terrain can be challenging due to the uneven paths and some climbing involved. A warning from a previous review notes that good shoes are a must.

The tour is not designed for those seeking a leisurely stroll on smooth surfaces; instead, it caters to active visitors ready to walk through historic neighborhoods with some physical effort involved.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This 3-hour walking tour offers a solid introduction to Gjirokaster’s Old Bazaar, Cfaka neighborhood, and Ali Pasha Bridge. It delivers authentic sights, engaging stories from a knowledgeable guide, and scenic views. It’s particularly well-suited for visitors eager to learn about the Ottoman influences and historical architecture.

The tour’s main strengths are its depth of local insights and the beautiful surroundings of cobblestone streets and historic structures. The main limitation is the uneven terrain, so come prepared with sturdy shoes and a good attitude towards walking.

Overall, if you’re interested in history, architecture, and want an authentic walk through Gjirokaster’s past, this tour offers a memorable three hours that balances education with scenic exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at Cerciz Topulli Square in Gjirokaster.

What are the main highlights of the tour?
You’ll visit the Old Bazaar, cross Zerzebili Bridge into Cfaka, and see the Ali Pasha Bridge.

Is the terrain difficult?
Yes, the terrain includes uncalibrated and uneven paths, so good shoes are recommended.

What languages are available for the tour?
Guides operate in English and Albanian.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for families?
It’s suitable for those who enjoy walking and exploring, but expect some physically demanding parts.

What is included in the price?
The guide is included; other costs, such as food or souvenirs, are not covered.

Will the guide take me to local food afterward?
While the tour itself does not include food, one reviewer mentioned that the guide went beyond the tour to suggest local food options.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes for walking on uneven surfaces are recommended.

This walking tour of Gjirokaster offers a meaningful combination of history, architecture, and scenic views, perfect for those eager to connect with the town’s Ottoman roots.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby