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Ethnographic Museum: A Window into Gjirokastër's Past

Explore traditional Albanian life in a beautifully preserved Ottoman-era home in the heart of Gjirokastër's historic district.

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Housed in a traditional Ottoman-era dwelling, the Ethnographic Museum in Gjirokastër offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of the city's elite during the 19th century. Explore meticulously recreated rooms filled with cultural artifacts, offering insights into the region's rich heritage.

A brief summary to Ethnographic Museum

  • Ethnographic Museum, Gjirokaster, AL

Local tips

  • Allow at least one hour to fully explore the museum's extensive collection and exhibits.
  • Visit during the morning hours to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through the Palorto Quarter, known for its well-preserved historic architecture.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Ethnographic Museum is located in the Palorto Quarter, within Gjirokastër's old town. From Cerciz Topulli Square, walk uphill, following the cobblestone streets towards the Gjirokastër Castle. The museum is well-signposted. The walk is steep in places.

  • Public Transport

    Local buses connect the new town with the historic center. Look for the public bus circuit that goes to the old town. Get off at a stop near Cerciz Topulli Square and walk uphill towards the Gjirokastër Castle. The museum is well-signposted. A single bus fare costs around 30 lek.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available throughout Gjirokastër. A short taxi ride from the new town to the Ethnographic Museum in the old town will cost approximately 200-300 lek. Taxis can be found at the River Bridge (Ura e Lumit) and along Bulevardi 18 Shtatori.

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Discover more about Ethnographic Museum

The Ethnographic Museum of Gjirokastër, a cultural gem in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage city, provides visitors with a fascinating journey into traditional Albanian life. Located in the Palorto Quarter, the museum occupies a building constructed in 1966 on the site of Enver Hoxha's childhood home. The original house was destroyed by fire, and the new structure was designed as a model of a traditional 19th-century Gjirokastër dwelling, showcasing classic Ottoman architectural elements. Stepping inside is like stepping back in time. The museum's rooms are arranged to replicate the living spaces of a wealthy Gjirokastër family, complete with original household items, folk costumes, and an array of cultural artifacts. Visitors can explore multiple floors, each offering a unique perspective on daily life. The ground floor, built of stone, demonstrates how homes were designed to stay cool in the summer and retain heat during the winter months. The upper floors feature lower ceilings and smaller windows, further regulating the temperature. Exhibits showcase the intricate details of traditional clothing, kitchenware, tools, and other objects that offer insight into the lifestyle of Gjirokastër's elite families during the Ottoman period. While the museum stands on the site of Hoxha's former home, there are no exhibits related to the dictator himself. Instead, the focus remains firmly on showcasing the cultural heritage and traditions of Gjirokastër and the surrounding southern highlands region. The museum also occasionally hosts temporary displays related to ethnography and cultural history, and sometimes features demonstrations of traditional handicrafts.

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