Skënduli House: A Window to Ottoman Gjirokastra

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Step back in time at Skënduli House in Gjirokastra, a remarkably preserved Ottoman residence showcasing Albanian history and culture.

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Skënduli House

Skënduli House, a remarkably preserved Ottoman-era residence in Gjirokastra, offers visitors a captivating glimpse into 18th and 19th-century Albanian life. Built by the wealthy Skënduli family, the house boasts intricate architectural details and a rich history, providing an immersive cultural experience.

A brief summary to Skënduli House

34GP+46R, Rruga Palorto, Gjirokaster, AL
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Monday 9 am-7 pm
Tuesday 9 am-7 pm
Wednesday 9 am-7 pm
Thursday 9 am-7 pm
Friday 9 am-7 pm
Saturday 9 am-7 pm
Sunday 9 am-7 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Skënduli House.

Engage with the owner, a Skënduli family descendant, to hear captivating stories about the house's history and preservation.
Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture the best light for photography.
Explore the tower room for panoramic views of Gjirokastra's stone cityscape and castle.

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Getting There

Walking

Skënduli House is located in the Palorto neighborhood of Gjirokastra's old town. From Çerçiz Topulli Square, walk northeast along Rruga Sokaku i te Mareve. The house will be on your left. The walk is uphill on cobblestone streets and takes about 5-10 minutes. Be prepared for steep inclines.
Public Transport

From the lower part of Gjirokastra, take the public bus from Bulevardi 18 Shtatori to Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli in the old town for 30 lek. From there, follow the walking directions to Skënduli House.
Taxi

Taxis are available in Gjirokastra and can take you to Çerçiz Topulli Square. From there, follow the walking directions to Skënduli House. A short taxi ride within the city should cost approximately 200-300 lek.

Discover more about Skënduli House

Skënduli House, constructed in the 1700s and partially restored in 1827, stands as a testament to the architectural traditions and opulent lifestyle of Gjirokastra's elite during the Ottoman period. The Skënduli family, prominent merchants of the time, built the house to reflect their status and influence. Today, the house remains in its original state and is owned by a descendant of the Skënduli family, who welcomes visitors and shares captivating stories about its history.The house is distinguished by its impressive features, including 64 windows, 44 doors, 12 rooms, and multiple fireplaces, reflecting the family's wealth. The intricate wood carvings, decorative ceilings, and well-preserved interiors offer a glimpse into the daily life, gender roles, and celebratory traditions of the era. The house also features unique elements such as an internal and external staircase and a fortified wall, highlighting its defensive function.During the communist era, the house was used as the Ethnographic Museum before being returned to the Skënduli family. Today, visitors can explore the house and admire the authentic objects and architectural details that have been preserved for centuries. The tower room offers picturesque views of the surrounding stone cityscape and the iconic Gjirokastra Castle.