Ismail Kadare's House

The walk to Ismail Kadare's house will pass by Dr. Vasil Laboviti's clinic in Varosh quarter. The famous gynecologist, saved the town from the Nazi, and became well-known for his 40000 surgeries Later on you will stop by Kadare's elementary school, to meet through storytelling some of main characters of his books, his biology teacher, his neighbors, his friends and the mysterious women of the neighborhood. Before reaching his house we stop for a coffee by Kako Pino's house garden. This woman impressed Kadare as a kid with her magic hairdressing box, and not only. The house itself was recently rebuilt to be Kadare's museum. The museum at the moment is not open due to work of re-conception indoors but the building itself will illustrate many stories. Along the whole walk the guide will read quotes from Ismail Kadare's "Chronical in stone" book.

Gjirokaster Castle

On the way to the castle we will first cross "The passage of the mad", one of the most iconic narrow streets of the old city. Ismail Kadare has his way of describing madness in his books. Passing by Angonat's house you learn how the stories of old generations and traditional life in Gjirokaster inspired Kadare to write "The generations of Hangonats". Reaching the castle you will have a wide view of Drino's valley, a childhood dream of Kadare related to planes and flying. The guide will quote three of his books, to mention the importance of the castle as a protection during all times. The tunnel under the castle will lead us to the quarter of his grandparents, to his first romantic dreams, to the memories of the visits. The tour will follow the road around the castle reaching the Old Bazar and bringing more realistic stories for the characters of his books.