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Albania
Gjirokaster County
Gjirokaster
Things to Do in Gjirokaster
Skenduli House
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Skenduli House

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Skenduli House
4.5
304 reviews
#1 of 17 things to do in Gjirokaster
Architectural Buildings
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About
If you really want to know the best model of local architecture in 19th century, a visit to Skenduli house is a must. Everything is totally original and is the most authentic building in Gjirokastra. This is the best preserved house in old city of Gjirokastra, more than 300 years old (built in 1823). The owner of the house, Nasip Skenduli, a descendant of the family that originally build the house, is an amazing story teller. He will explain you everything about the house and the preserving process in years. It used to be the original Ethnographic museum during communist time, but now the owners have their house back and keep it open for visitors. What makes this house so special? Its structure shows that this has been the richest houses in Gjirokastra, because it had 9 fireplaces, (more fireplaces more richer the family was); 6 bathrooms, 12 rooms, 44 doors, 64 windows, and 4 hamam (turkish bath). Many rooms are preserved in their original shape and this is amazing.
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
70 within 3 miles
Restorant Tradicional Urat
98
0.3 miEuropean • Albanian
Taverna Tradicionale Kardhashi
1,177
0.3 mi$ • Healthy • Albanian • Vegetarian Friendly
Restorant Tradicional Odaja
318
0.2 mi$ • Healthy • Albanian • Vegetarian Friendly
Bar Restorant Rrapi
159
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Albanian • Beer restaurants
Kerculla Resort
113
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • European • Vegetarian Friendly
Kujtimi
529
0.2 mi$ • Mediterranean • European • Albanian
Taverna Lani
165
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Healthy • Albanian • Vegetarian Friendly
Restorant GJOCA
122
0.2 mi$ • Bar • Cafe • Mediterranean
Bar Mezeri "Harqet"
34
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • European • Albanian
Edua Restaurant
56
0.2 mi$ • European • Albanian
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Attractions
10 within 6 miles
Ethnographic Museum
179
127 ftHistory Museums
Ismail Kadare's House
8
287 ftHistoric Sites
Zekate House
174
0.2 miHistoric Sites
Gjirokaster Castle
892
0.3 miMilitary Museums • Historic Sites
Gjirokastra Bazaar
249
0.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Castles
The Cold War Tunnel
99
0.3 miHistoric Sites
Gjirokaster Mosque
52
0.3 miReligious Sites
Kulla E Sahatit
2
0.3 miCastles
Nature&joy
10
0.4 miNature & Wildlife Areas
Caravan Horse Riding Albania
11
1.7 miEquestrian Trails
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
304 reviews
Excellent
180
Very good
98
Average
22
Poor
1
Terrible
3
Jane P
Beverley, UK3 contributions
Interesting traditional house in a beautiful UNESCO city
Sep 2022 • Friends
This is well worth a visit. The house was built in 1700 and has changed very little since, it provides a good insight into life at this time and has some surprising modern features for its time - running water and long drop toilets. The rooms have painted frescoes, wooden carved doors, many windows with good views over the city and there is a vaulted cellar.
Written September 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rebecca K
14 contributions
Tucked-Away Gem
Oct 2021
This was a wonderful experience. The house is beautifully preserved, and the guide gave us terrific historical information about the local culture and the family. She was actually a member of the Skenduli family herself! I liked it so much that the next day I came back with some other people to take the tour again and ask more questions!
Written October 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Terry M
Hamilton, Canada4,444 contributions
A HOUSE OF THE WELL TO DO
Jun 2022
A family member guided us, pride showing throughout the tour. Construction began in the late 17th c. The house has three floors. The first floor was for supplies and animals. The second floor was the winter residence. The third floor was the summer residence. The uses of the rooms were explained, be it to dine, sleep or entertain. The most elaborate room was where members of the family were wed. Photographs were not allowed inside rooms. The views down the valley were very nice. If you want some numbers, the house has 64 windows, 44 doors, 12 rooms, 9 fireplaces, 6 bathrooms and 4 hammans, It is located near the Ethnographic Museum, a bit ironic in that for a period under communist rule the house was used in that capacity. The house again is in private hands.
Written June 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
robin p
London, UK94 contributions
Definitely worth visiting
Apr 2022 • Couples
Fascinating house excellent guide. Definitely worth a visit. It is an original house several centuries old and lived in by the same family for generations. The guide is a member of the family. During the communist era the government confiscated the house and used it as an Ethnographic museum. After the overthrow of the government it was returned to the family.
Written April 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
70ava
Beijing, China956 contributions
Make sure you join the owner for explanation
Oct 2022 • Couples
It is an intriguing place, with many things you do not notice if you visit on your own. Do wait for one of the family members to show you around, since it makes a big difference. The architecture and the planning that went into this early 18th century house is amazing.
Written October 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Film G
New England914 contributions
Very Authentic. Tour Led by Family Member
Aug 2021 • Couples
The tour takes about 20 minutes. Led by a family member (good English) you get the history of the house, how people lived and the history of the area and Albania. Many steps. Lek200 entrance. No toilets. Worthwhile.
Written August 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
michalY4256BG
3 contributions
Enriching visit with a great piece of history!
Aug 2021 • Friends
The most worthy 2 euros spent in Gjirokaster! Such a gem that should definitely be included in UNESCO. You get a guided tour through the entire house that looks like a maze and hides plenty of rooms, hammams, unique cistern for water and very interesting family history. The house is still owned and maintained by the family so our guide was actually grandson of the last member of the family who lived in the house in the old times. Enriching experience!
Written August 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sleepybexhill
Bexhill-on-Sea, UK1,516 contributions
Definitely worth a visit.
Sep 2021 • Couples
It’s a fascinating old house with plenty of history. We were fortunate to be shown around by someone who spoke very good English. You cannot wander freely, but we found we had enough time for our needs.
Written September 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
_steph91986
Roseville, CA301 contributions
A tour from Skenduli himself!
May 2022 • Couples
- stopped by and it was closed. As we were walking away, an older man asked if we wanted to visit and that he was the owner. He walked back and opened the house for us which was so nice. Turns out he is the 9th generation Skenduli. He gave us a private tour of the house. You can tell how much the house and the history means to him an his family. Was a very special experience to get the tour from him!
Written June 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PipPaul W
Buckfastleigh, UK1,618 contributions
Fascinating history
Oct 2022 • Couples
What a lovely place, and so well preserved.
We were with a tour group and had a house guide. Don't know if you get the dame label of information if you just take yourself around - didn't see any information leaflets.

Who knew they had "flushing" toilets that took the waste away to the river

All worth a visit
Written October 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Skenduli House (Gjirokaster) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Skenduli House
We recommend booking Skenduli House tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 18 Skenduli House tours on Tripadvisor