Skënduli House: A Window into Ottoman Gjirokastra

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Explore a beautifully preserved Ottoman house in Gjirokastra, offering a glimpse into 18th-century Albanian life and architecture.

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Skënduli House

Step back in time at Skënduli House, a remarkably preserved Ottoman-era residence in Gjirokastra. Built in the 18th century and partially restored in 1827, this house offers a glimpse into the lives of a wealthy Albanian family, showcasing intricate architecture, original artifacts, and captivating stories.

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.

Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture the best light for photographs.
Engage with the owner, Nasip Skënduli, for captivating stories about the house and its history.
Pay attention to the intricate wood carvings and decorative ceilings throughout the house.
Combine your visit with a trip to nearby attractions like the Gjirokastra Castle and Ethnographic Museum.

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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 right. The walk is uphill and takes about 5-10 minutes. Be prepared for cobblestone streets.
Public Transport

From Bulevardi 18 Shtatori in the new town, take the local bus 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 Skënduli House. A taxi from the new town to the old town will cost approximately 300-500 lek. Ask the driver to take you to Skënduli House in the Palorto neighborhood.

Discover more about Skënduli House

Skënduli House, constructed in the 1700s and partially renovated in 1827, stands as a testament to Gjirokastra's rich history and architectural traditions. Once home to the Skënduli family, one of the wealthiest in southern Albania, the house boasts features that reflect their status, including 64 windows, 44 doors, 12 rooms, and multiple fireplaces.Visitors can explore the house's interior, which showcases intricate wood carvings, decorative ceilings, and many original objects. The main guest room, or oda, is particularly noteworthy for its detailed design. The house also features both an internal and external staircase, a unique architectural element for the time. During the communist era, the house was briefly used as the city's Ethnographic Museum before being returned to the Skënduli family, who now welcome visitors.A tour of Skënduli House provides insight into daily life, gender roles, and celebratory traditions during the Ottoman period. The current owner, a descendant of the original family, often personally guides visitors, sharing stories about the house and its history. The house also has a defensive function, evidenced by loopholes and sophisticated door locks.