Skënduli House
About This Museum
Did you know this entire house was built to outshine the neighbor's? The Skënduli family created a stunning Ottoman-era tower house that's a labyrinth of wood and stone, feeling more like a lived-in home than a static exhibit. You can almost hear the rustle of silk dresses on the steep staircases and smell the woodsmoke from the enormous, domed hearth in the reception hall. Wandering through its four distinct levels reveals a fascinating social hierarchy, from the bustling ground-floor stables to the breathtakingly ornate guest rooms at the very top reserved for important visitors.
Collection Highlights
The star of the show is arguably the magnificent 'divanhane', or reception room, with its intricately carved wooden ceiling and central fireplace. Don't miss the surprisingly beautiful 'davat', a large stone vat used for processing copper, which hints at the family's wealth from that trade.
Visitor Information
It's tucked away on Rruga Palorto in Gjirokastër's old bazaar—look for its commanding stone facade. A guide is often around to bring the place to life with stories; it really makes all the difference.
Architecture & Building
A classic example of 18th-century Gjirokastër Ottoman architecture, built entirely from local stone as a fortified tower house ('kullë') with characteristic slate roofs and heavy wooden doors.
Contact & Location
Address: Skënduli House, 6001, Rruga Sokaku i te Marëve, Gjirokastër, Bashkia Gjirokastër, Qarku i Gjirokastrës, 6001, Shqipëria
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