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Gjirokaster
Gjirokastra is located in southern Albania and is the administrative center of Gjirokaster County and Gjirokaster City. The city is set in a picturesque valley, flanked by the towering Gjera Mountains and the tranquil Drini River, at an altitude of 300 meters. Its charming old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a testament to the architectural prowess of the Ottoman Empire, and is hailed as " a rare example of a well-preserved Ottoman town, built by peasants with substantial estates." Overlooking the city is the awe-inspiring Gjirokastra Fortress, which serves as the backdrop for the famous Gjirokastra National Folklore Festival, which is held every five years.
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Tepelena
Tepelenë is another notable city and municipality within Gjirokastër County, located in southern Albania. Tepelenë is strategically located on the left bank of the Vjosa River, just three kilometers from its confluence with the Drini River. The remains of a castle, perched 300 meters above the river, speak of its historical significance. It is noteworthy that Tepelena was the seat of the Tepelena District until The nearby village of Beçisht is the birthplace of Ali Pasha of Yanina. This was a notable historical figure whose influence extended to Tepelenë and Ioannina. In 1847, the English writer Edward Lear recorded his visit to Tepelenë, noting the desolate sight of destroyed buildings that bore witness to the city's turbulent past.
