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Gjirokastër · Albania

Zekate House

Zekate House is one of Gjirokastër’s grandest tower houses, recognisable by its twin towers, stone base and richly decorated upper rooms.

Plan a trip here Website / visitor information
Zekate House Perigrinator · CC BY-SA
Typical visit
1 hour
Setting
Mixed
Region
Gjirokastër and Përmet
Last checked
31 Jul 2026

Why visit

Choose Zekate House for a distinctive part of the local landscape and culture. Twin-tower exterior and decorated guest rooms and fireplaces give the stop a clear purpose within a Gjirokastër itinerary.

What you will see

  • Twin-tower exterior.
  • Decorated guest rooms and fireplaces.
  • Excellent example of UNESCO-listed domestic architecture.

History

The house represents the wealth and status of an important Ottoman-period household. Its defensive lower storeys and elaborate reception rooms show the dual practical and ceremonial role of these homes.

Visitor tips

  1. 1

    Allow enough time to read the main interpretation rather than rushing through the rooms.

  2. 2

    Combine this stop with nearby places rather than building an entire day around it.

  3. 3

    Keep small cash available because some local tickets and services may not accept cards.

Combine it with

More to see around Gjirokastër

All of Gjirokastër
Gjirokastër Castle Gjirokastër · Albania Gjirokastër Castle dominates the old city with long ramparts, vaulted halls, military displays, festival spaces and views over the Drino Valley. Gjirokastër Old Bazaar Gjirokastër · Albania The old bazaar forms the pedestrian heart of Gjirokastër, where steep cobbled streets meet beneath rows of shops, cafés and traditional façades. Skenduli House Gjirokastër · Albania Skenduli House offers a guided look inside a large fortified family home, with guest rooms, fireplaces, storage spaces and carved timber details. Cold War Tunnel Gjirokastër Gjirokastër · Albania The Cold War Tunnel is a large underground shelter beneath Gjirokastër, visited on a guided route through command rooms, corridors and functional spaces. Antigonea Archaeological Park Antigonea · Albania Antigonea spreads across an open hill above the Drino Valley, where wall lines, streets and building foundations reward visitors who enjoy reading archaeological landscapes. Blue Eye Spring (Syri i Kaltër) Muzinë · Albania The Blue Eye is a powerful karst spring whose deep centre appears intensely blue against clear turquoise water and dense vegetation. Visitors approach from the official access area on foot.

Already worked out

Ready-made trips through Gjirokastër

All ready-made trips
Albania Heritage Route — 5 Days 5 days · 21 stops · Moderate pace A southbound heritage journey from Tirana through Kruja, UNESCO-listed Berat and Gjirokastër to Butrint and the Ionian coast. South Albania and Riviera — 7 Days 7 days · 30 stops · Moderate pace A balanced week combining Albania’s historic cities with the Blue Eye, Butrint and the main Riviera landscapes. Classic Albania — 10 Days 10 days · 38 stops · Moderate pace A broad introduction to Albania’s capital, northern mountains, UNESCO towns, archaeological sites and Riviera coast. Grand Albania — 14 Days 14 days · 48 stops · Moderate pace Travel from Tirana and Shkodra into Theth, then south through Berat, Përmet and Gjirokastër to Sarandë, Butrint and the Riviera before returning via Vlorë.