Zekate house, Gjirokastra

This is the best surviving example of a typical kullë (tower-house) in Gjirokastra which was occupied by the rich, usually administrative officials, merchants or landowners. You have to climb a steep hill to get there, but it’s worth every step..

Built between 1811-1812 the house has twin towers and a great double arched façade with spectacular views of the town and the river valley. It belongs to the same family today who run a cafe with a splendid view, in the garden.

The kullë (tower-house) follows a basic layout: a secure stone lower storey topped by a wooden gallery which was occupied by the family. Embrasures are set in the walls to help defend against attacking enemies.

There are three floors: the ground floor has storage rooms, a high ceilinged kitchen and the cistern. There is a central staircase which winds upwards through the building. The first floor has two rooms that were used as living quarters for branches of the family, while the third floor has a grand reception room and two other smaller rooms.

The principal room is very typical of the grandest of these dwellings with frescoed walls, a carved ceiling and an ornate fireplace. This floor was shared by the whole family. At the top of the staircase there is a wooden balcony overlooking the town. This has a raised section on which the head of the family would sit, meet his guests and watch what was going on on his land in front of him and in the city below.

Zekate house, Gjirokastra / ©divento.com
Zekate house, Gjirokastra / ©divento.com
Zekate house, Gjirokastra / ©divento.com
Zekate house, Gjirokastra / ©divento.com
Zekate house, Gjirokastra / ©divento.com
Zekate house, Gjirokastra / ©divento.com
Zekate house, Gjirokastra / ©divento.com
Zekate house, Gjirokastra / ©divento.com
Zekate house, Gjirokastra / ©divento.com
Zekate house, Gjirokastra / ©divento.com
Zekate house, Gjirokastra
Zekate house, Gjirokastra

Opening Hours

Monday:
07:00 - 23:30
Tuesday:
07:00 - 23:30
Wednesday:
07:00 - 23:30
Thursday:
07:00 - 23:30
Friday:
07:00 - 23:30
Saturday:
07:00 - 23:30
Sunday:
07:00 - 23:30
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