The most lavish houses in Gjirokastër are located in the Palorto district, west of the Old Bazaar. The most impressive one is the Zekate House which is a great example of Albanian fortified dwellings. Some of the buildings have been converted into museums.
Nestled atop the hill, the Zekate House (Shtepia e Zekatëve) dominates the neighbourhood’s landscape. The house was built in 1811-1812 by Beqir Zeko, who was an administrator of Ali Pasha of Tepelenë in Gjirokastër, and serves as a perfect example of an Albanian fortified dwelling, the so-called Kulla.
The two tower-like wings of the house have nearly no windows on the lower floors which are made of stone. Only on the topmost floor made of wood are the rooms in which the family lived, and which are richly decorated with painted ornaments. The Zeko family’s descendants who reside in the vicinity are currently in charge of the home, which underwent renovations in 2005. The breathtaking views of the city and the Drino Valley alone make the hike worthwhile. There are no set hours for the house to be open; a tour costs 200 leks.
Similar in type is the slightly lower-situated Skënduli House, which was built in 1823 on the site of an original building from the early 18th century. It has 46 windows, nine chimneys, six toilets and two courtyards. It is also unique in that there are two staircases – internal and external. The main guest room (oda) is beautifully decorated with carved furniture and ceiling. During communism, the house was confiscated from the Skënduli family and returned only in 1992. It can be visited from 9:00 to 19:00, with an entrance fee of 200 leks.
The house where Albanian author Ismail Kadare was born and raised is another house that has been made into a museum. Kadere, currently living in France, is held in high esteem in Albania, and the Albanian government has contributed to a thorough reconstruction of his birthplace. Even a nearby street is named after him. Inside the house, there is an exhibition of photographs related to Kadare’s life, the entrance fee is 200 leks. You can also book a walking tour around Gjirokastër focusing on Kadare.
Cover photo Vojtěch Kolínský
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