Tour de medio día a Gjirokastra y Mesopotam

Información

After meeting with your guide you will be transferred for 1.5 hrs through a serpentine mountain road to Gjirokastra for a visit to the "City of Stones". Gjirokastra which is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated in the southern part of Albania, on the slope of the hills of (Mali I Gjere), overlooking river Drinos. It became an urban centre by the 13th century. Gjirokastra is mentioned for the first time in a document of 1336, under the name ARGYROPOLIHNE (the township of Argyro), derived, according to the legend. (Princess Argyro, who hurled herself to her death from a tower to avoid falling into the hands of the invaders. Later the town became known as ARGYROKASTRO. Gjirokastra played an important role as the cradle of the patriotic movement of the Albanians for freedom and independence. Gjirokastra or so called “the town of one thousand steps” or “the stone town” is of particular interest for its native architecture. Today we will visit the old bazaar with wood and stone carving shops, old typical houses and quarters protected by UNESCO, the fortress of Argjiro and the Ethnographic Museum of Gjirokastra.

After the visit of Gjirokastra you will be transferred back to Saranda. Along the way to Saranda, you will stop for a visit of the Mesopotam Monastery dedicated to Saint Nicholas. It is believed that was built in the 14th century. The remains in the area around the monastery indicate that there was a high defensive wall. One of the towers of this wall now serves as a bell tower.

The church of St. Nicholas is to be visited from outside as it is not opened to public due to reconstruction.

Once visited the Monastery, you will be transferred back to Saranda.

Meeting/pick-up point: Hotel Brilant.
Duration: Six hours.
Start/opening time: At 8am.