The castle of Gjirokaster is a great fortress in a very strategic position, overlooking the city of Gjirokaster. It is one of the biggest castles of Albania and to my knowledge, one of the best preserved. It has been used as a prison during the last century, has a weapons museum at the main entrance and there is also an American plane inside (Lockheed T-33), albeit the skeleton nowadays. Wikipedia says it was a spy plane that had to do a forced landing in Rinas, Tirane but there are doubts about this version. The castle offers a fantastic view but be prepared to pay a ticket (around 3-5$) at the entrance if they see you carrying a professional or professionally looking camera. They don't check you inside if you've paid that ticket so as long as you have it in your bag during entrance, you'll be fine. ;)
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Gjirokastër Castle
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Viroi, Gjirokaster
Viroi is some sort of small and shallow lake, fed by mountain waters during raining season and sometimes becomes dry during summer. The photo on Google Maps shows it as dry actually. The old building seen here used to be a water pump. You can actually walk up there. Behind the building there is a large and deep hole with crystal clear water. Kinda scary, even though you can clearly see the bottom (around 20m ~ 30m deep). On the lake (not shown in this photo), there is a small artificial island with a restaurant on top. It's a great place for a coffee if you pass by.
Friday, August 29, 2014
Prosthesis
Thursday, August 28, 2014
We Speak English
They speak English, you can't deny that, can you? ;)
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Tunnel
This tunnel is on the side of the previous cobbled street. Looks like some sort of extension but there is a sign at the entrance which says Dead End. It goes under the castle of Gjirokastra but the funny thing is that the pavement is cobbled while the walls and ceiling are made of cement. Perhaps a latter reconstruction during the communism era. There are anti-nuclear tunnels under the castle, with many facilities like conference room, cinema etc... Since July 2014 those are open to public.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Cobbled street in Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster or Argyrokastro (Silver Castle), as the Greek call it, is also called The Stone City. Distinctive features are roofs of stone tiles and cobbled streets. The old part of the city has won the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site. My grandparents from my father's side are from Gjirokaster actually.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Muzine, Gjirokaster
Muzine is a small village between Sarande and Gjirokaster. Down the slope flows the river that feeds Blue Eye. The village has great architecture and there are some ruins of very old churches. The view from where I'm standing is fantastic from all sides.
[caption id="attachment_2070" align="alignnone" width="660"] Muzine[/caption]Sunday, August 24, 2014
St. Nicholas Monastery Church, Mesopotam
A very old church in a very great scenic location. I couldn't get closer but next time I may pay it a visit. From where I was standing, it looked like some valley in Toscana.
Friday, August 22, 2014
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Nice a**
This cat was another inhabitant of the small hotel beside Blue Eye Spring. Gender confirmation needed. I hope it's a she, otherwise I'll have to change the post title :D
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Rottweiler
Inside the forest there was this two floor coffee shop. The dog stood chained on top of that bridge and checked us from head to toe. I guess they keep it for the bears, if there are any bears left around that area...
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Blue Eye Spring
Went there with my family during June. It has become like a ritual in the last years. People should maintain it better but still it's in a quite good condition. If you happen to travel around South Albania, don't miss it. If you've got any questions, please let me know.
Monday, August 18, 2014
Beautiful Demoiselle (Female)
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Friday, August 15, 2014
Above the clouds
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Monday, August 11, 2014
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Super Moon
Friday, August 8, 2014
Thursday, August 7, 2014
This is a river actually
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.0680948,20.4233158,13108m/data=!3m1!1e3
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Abandoned communism era hotel in Kukes, Albania
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Chimney
The story behind this picture is sad. The chimney is the sole remain of an old factory where they used to produce acid of some sort. The factory worked in full capacity during communism era. The grassy area you see on the mountain slope is the reachable area by the fumes. That's why no bushes grow there. :(