Information
Landmark: Skenduli HouseCity: Gjirokaster
Country: Albania
Continent: Europe
Skenduli House, Gjirokaster, Albania, Europe
Overview
In Gjirokastër, Albania, the Skenduli House showcases elegant Ottoman-era design, its carved wooden ceilings and sunlit stone rooms revealing how wealthy families lived in the 18th and 19th centuries.This beautifully preserved house tells the story of the region’s rich cultural heritage, its stone walls cool to the touch, and it’s one of the must-see stops in Gjirokastër.Built in 1703 by the prominent Skenduli family of Gjirokastër, the Skenduli House has stood for centuries, adapting through several 19th-century renovations to suit changing tastes and needs; it stayed in the family for generations and now welcomes visitors as a privately owned museum, its fortified stone walls, three-tier design, carved wooden ceilings, and hand-painted floral motifs offering a vivid glimpse into the elegance, defenses, and daily life of the city’s Ottoman-era elite.These tours give you a vivid glimpse into the house’s past and charm, from the Reception Room with its finely carved wood and plush traditional divans to the Bridal Room adorned for newlyweds with delicate, hand-painted details.You’ll see the old cistern and storage rooms that once kept the household self-sufficient, then step onto a balcony where the whole of Gjirokastër spreads out below, backed by rolling hills.The Skenduli House sits in the heart of the Old Bazaar, just a short walk from the castle and the mosque, and it’s open every day, though times can change.Check ahead or drop by the local tourism office for details.There’s a small admission fee, which helps preserve the house.Wear comfortable walking shoes-the streets of Gjirokastër wind steep and uneven, with cobblestones underfoot-and bring a camera to capture carved wooden ceilings and sweeping views.Nearby, you can explore Gjirokastër Castle, a massive fortress with exhibits and city vistas; the Ethnographic Museum, once Enver Hoxha’s home, offering insight into local culture; and the Ottoman Bazaar, a bustling stretch of shops, cafés, and old-world architecture.The Skenduli House isn’t just a building-it’s a step back in time, revealing the wealth, craftsmanship, and traditions of the city’s Ottoman-era elite.With its striking architecture, intricate carvings, and surprisingly well-preserved details, it draws history lovers and curious travelers alike, offering a vivid taste of Albania’s heritage.
