Skenduli House, Gjirokastër
Historic Building in Gjirokastër
Skenduli House is one of the best places to visit in Gjirokastër for anyone interested in traditional architecture, family heritage, and Ottoman-era domestic life. Built in the early 1700s and partially rebuilt in 1827, the house remains one of the most authentic and lovingly preserved homes in the old town. Its careful restoration and remarkable original features make it an essential stop for culture lovers and history enthusiasts.
It is often visited on walking tours of Gjirokastër, and what makes the experience particularly special is that the tour is usually led by a member of the Skenduli family. The current owner, Nasip Skenduli, guides many visitors through the rooms, sharing personal stories and insights that bring the house to life. Once used as the Ethnographic Museum during communist times, the home has now been returned to the family and restored to its former character.
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History and Significance of Skenduli House
Skenduli House dates from the early 18th century and represents one of the finest surviving examples of Gjirokastër's architectural heritage. Although parts of the home were rebuilt in 1827, much of the original structure and interior detailing remain intact. During the communist era, the property was repurposed as the city's Ethnographic Museum, but following the regime's collapse, ownership was restored to the Skenduli family.
The house reflects key elements of life during the Ottoman period, including strict gender roles, ceremonial spaces, and family hierarchy. Each room was designed with intention, from private family areas to formal guest spaces. The house is surrounded by fortified stone walls, emphasising the need for security during periods of instability in the region.
Today, Skenduli House stands as a living museum. Its preservation provides both an architectural and cultural window into Gjirokastër's past, offering insights not only into historic craftsmanship but also into the daily life of the families who lived here.
Things to See and Do in Skenduli House
A guided visit reveals an astonishing number of rooms and features: 12 rooms, 44 doors, 64 windows, 9 fireplaces, 6 bathrooms, and 4 hamams or Turkish baths. Each space highlights a different aspect of domestic life-from family gatherings to formal ceremonies.
One of the most fascinating rooms is the ceremonial wedding room, illuminated by 15 stained glass windows. This room was used exclusively for wedding rituals and celebrations, and its elaborate design reflects the importance of family traditions in Ottoman society.
Visitors can admire beautifully carved wooden ceilings, distinctive chimneys, hidden cupboards, and traditional seating arrangements. The house’s authentic furnishings and preserved architecture provide an intimate and atmospheric experience that sets it apart from other historic homes.
How to Get to Skenduli House
Most travellers reach Gjirokastër via Tirana International Airport before continuing south by road through the Drino Valley. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Gjirokastër on Booking.com.
The house is located within the old town and is easily accessible on foot from nearby streets, though the steep cobblestone alleys typical of Gjirokastër may require comfortable shoes. Visitors arriving by car can park near the old bazaar or designated parking areas before walking uphill to the house. If you are looking to rent a car in Albania I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.
Practical Tips on Visiting Skenduli House
- Suggested tips: Ask questions during the tour; family members provide rich insights into traditions and architecture.
- Best time to visit: Spring and autumn for pleasant temperatures.
- Entrance fee in Euros: Usually €2-€3.
- Opening hours: Typically open daily, though hours may vary.
- Official website: Refer to Gjirokastër tourism listings.
- How long to spend: 30-45 minutes.
- Accessibility: Steep streets and uneven surfaces may pose challenges.
- Facilities: Minimal on-site; cafés and shops nearby in the old town.
- Photography tip: Capture the stained glass windows in the wedding room when the sunlight is soft.
- Guided tours: Usually led by the Skenduli family.
- Nearby food options: The old bazaar area offers numerous restaurants and cafés.
Where to Stay close to Skenduli House
Staying in the old town provides easy access to the house and other attractions. A charming option is Hotel Gjirokastra, known for its traditional stone architecture. For hillside views and beautifully restored interiors, Hotel Kalemi 2 is ideal. Visitors seeking central convenience near the bazaar may enjoy Old Bazaar 1790.
Is Skenduli House Worth Visiting?
Yes, Skenduli House is one of the top attractions in Gjirokastër, offering an intimate, authentic, and beautifully preserved look at Ottoman-era life. With its guided family tours, architectural detail, and cultural depth, it remains one of the best places to see in Gjirokastër.
What Other Travellers Say...
Skenduli House, located on Rruga Palorto in Gjirokastër, offers a well-preserved traditional home with generously proportioned rooms reflecting past wealth; visitors describe layered spaces—ground-floor storage and cool larders, communal middle-floor rooms including a wedding room, and open upper areas with superb views—and praise passionate, English-speaking guides (often the owner) who bring the house's rooms and customs to life, though some visitors found interpretation limited when no guide was available and wished for more informational panels in each room.
FAQs for Visiting Skenduli House
Nearby Attractions to Skenduli House
- Gjirokastër Castle: A vast hilltop fortress with sweeping views and historic exhibits.
- Old Bazaar of Gjirokastër: A lively market district filled with shops, cafés, and traditional architecture.
- Zekate House: Another beautifully preserved Ottoman home with ornate interiors.
- Cold War Tunnel: A vast underground bunker from the Hoxha era, open for guided tours.
- National Museum of Armaments: Displays Albania's 20th-century military history and technology.
The Skenduli House appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Gjirokastër!
Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
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Planning Your Visit
9am-7pm Apr-Oct
200 lek
Nearby Attractions
- Ethnographic Museum (0.1) km
Historic Building and Museum - Ismail Kadare’s House (0.1) km
Historic Building - Gjirokastër Obelisk (0.2) km
Monument - Zekate House (0.3) km
Historic Building - Bazaar Mosque (0.3) km
Mosque - Old Bazaar (0.3) km
Historic Site - National Museum of Armaments (0.4) km
Museum - Gjirokastër Cold War Tunnel Museum (0.4) km
Historic Building - Cold War Tunnel (0.4) km
Museum - Gjirokastër Castle (0.5) km
Castle and Museum
