Guide to Gjirokastër Bazaar and the Bazaar Mosque

Updated 2026-11-02 · 60 min read · Prices and schedules change — check locally.

How to visit the Bazaar and Mosque

Walk uphill from the Gjirokastër bus station or lower town toward the historic centre.
Enter the Qafa e Pazarit intersection to view the Bazaar Mosque's exterior and minaret.
Remove shoes and dress modestly if entering the mosque outside of prayer times.
Wander the surrounding four main streets to browse local crafts and textiles.

What is unique about the Gjirokastër Old Bazaar?

The bazaar is noted for its dramatic sloping terrain and distinctive grey stone roofs that match the city's fortress.

Originally built in the 17th century and reconstructed after a fire in the 19th century, the bazaar serves as the focal point of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Unlike many horizontal markets, these streets climb steeply, lined with two- and three-storey buildings where shops occupy the ground floor and upper floors served various purposes. Today, the area is a hub for traditional handicrafts, including woodcarving, lace-making, and stone-working. Visitors can watch local artisans at work in several of the small boutiques lining the cobblestone paths.

Can you visit the Gjirokastër Bazaar Mosque?

Yes, the mosque is generally open to visitors between prayer times, provided they follow respectful dress codes.

Built in 1757, the Bazaar Mosque (Xhamia e Pazarit) was the only one of thirteen city mosques still standing before the communist-era demolitions to survive the communist-era destruction of religious buildings, largely because it was granted protected status as a cultural monument. Inside, the mosque features simple but elegant Islamic calligraphy and a domed ceiling. The structure also includes a separate building nearby used as a madrasa (religious school).

What are the best things to buy and see nearby?

Focus on handmade qeçe (felt caps), woven rugs, and regional herbs, while keeping the Gjirokastër Castle in view above.

Item/Site	Description
Handmade Carpets	Traditional patterns woven on local looms.
Stone Carvings	Miniature replicas of the city's famous tower houses.
Gjirokastër Castle	A short 10-minute walk uphill from the bazaar.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring or early autumn offer the best weather for walking the steep, slippery cobblestones.

The bazaar is most active during the morning and late afternoon. During the height of summer, the stone streets can become very hot, so visiting before 11:00 or after 17:00 is recommended. Shop opening hours vary; check locally for individual shops. There is no entrance fee to walk through the bazaar or enter the mosque, though small donations at the mosque are welcomed.

Sources

Gjirokastra town guide →