Zekate House Gjirokaster Albania
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Zekate House Gjirokaster Albania

4.8
·696 reviews·Gjirokastër, Albania

Step back in time at Zekate House, a magnificent 19th-century Ottoman mansion in Gjirokaster, boasting unique architecture and stunning valley views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour views & fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
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Zekate House Gjirokaster Albania

Zekate House Gjirokaster Albania

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour views & fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back in time at Zekate House, a magnificent 19th-century Ottoman mansion in Gjirokaster, boasting unique architecture and stunning valley views.

4.8
(696 reviews)

"The most mesmerizing view of the town and castle with stunning sunsets."

Vertical photo
TIP

Cash is King Here

Remember to bring cash (Euros accepted) as Zekate House is a cash-only establishment. :moneybag:

Terrace Drinks with a View

Enjoy a local beer or smoothie on the terrace; the views are as delightful as the drinks. 🍺

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 703 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ottoman Architecture Masterpiece

Ottoman Architecture Masterpiece

The entire house

Explore a beautifully preserved 19th-century Ottoman mansion, showcasing intricate wooden ceilings and unique architectural features.

Breathtaking Valley Views

Breathtaking Valley Views

Terrace

Sip a drink on the terrace and soak in panoramic views of Gjirokaster, the Drino Valley, and the distant mountains.

Historical Insights

Historical Insights

Each room

Learn about the Zeko family's life and the historical context of this grand Ottoman-era residence.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Views

To truly appreciate the Zekate House's stunning valley views and avoid peak crowds, aim for late afternoon. This allows you to catch the golden hour light painting the landscape, perfect for photos. Many visitors recommend enjoying a drink on the terrace during this time.

Getting There: A Scenic, Though Narrow, Approach

Accessing the Zekate House involves navigating Gjirokaster's charming but narrow, winding streets. While doable by car, be prepared for a tight squeeze. Many visitors find the walk up rewarding, offering increasingly spectacular views as you ascend.

Best Times

When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour views & fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Less busy than weekends
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Welcome to Zekate House #zekatehouse #shtepiazekate #gjirokaster #visitgjirokaster
@gruuuupi
2.6K likes • 80.2K views

Cash is King Here

Remember to bring cash (Euros accepted) as Zekate House is a cash-only establishment. :moneybag:

Terrace Drinks with a View

Enjoy a local beer or smoothie on the terrace; the views are as delightful as the drinks. 🍺

Nothing but ordinary!! 📌Zekate House, Gjirokaster, Albania 🇦🇱 #zekatehousegjirokaster #gjirokaster #visitalbania #coffeetime #cocktails #visitgjirokaster
zekatehousegjirokaster
50 likes • 846 views
If there’s one house you need to see in Gjirokastër, it’s the Zekate House. Built in the 19th century for the Zeko family, this Ottoman mansion shows off stunning wooden ceilings, sweeping valley views, and even some pretty wild features for its time like a running bathroom, a built-in cooling system, and a private Turkish bath. And the bonus? Right next door there’s a little café where you can si...
trek_n_eats
23 likes • 556 views

Walk Up for the Scenery

The walk up offers increasingly stunning views of Gjirokaster. :athletic_shoe:

Friendly Owners & Cats

Expect warm hospitality from the owners and some cute feline companions in the garden. ❤️

Esta é a Zekate House, uma casa histórica localizada em Gjirokastër, Albânia. Construída entre 1811 e 1812, trata-se de um exemplo da arquitetura otomana bem preservado e aberto ao público. A Zakate House funciona como museu. Para visitar, pagamos 250 leks, que equivalem a 15 reais. Mais sobre esta casa-museu, o link para o nosso blog está na bio.
existeumlugarnomundo
44 likes • 533 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Cash is King Here

Remember to bring cash (Euros accepted) as Zekate House is a cash-only establishment. :moneybag:

Terrace Drinks with a View

Enjoy a local beer or smoothie on the terrace; the views are as delightful as the drinks. 🍺

Walk Up for the Scenery

The walk up offers increasingly stunning views of Gjirokaster. :athletic_shoe:

Friendly Owners & Cats

Expect warm hospitality from the owners and some cute feline companions in the garden. ❤️

Capture the Sunset

The sunset views from the terrace are truly mesmerizing and a photographer's dream. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(696 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Zekate House for its stunning Ottoman architecture, well-preserved interiors, and the breathtaking panoramic views from its terrace. The friendly owners and the charming on-site bar, offering local drinks, are frequently highlighted as positive aspects. While the journey up can be steep, the overall experience is considered a must-do in Gjirokaster.

"Must visit place to see amazing oldl house from Ottoman times, with unique Albanian architecture amd interior. Lovely terrace with breathtaking view over the city and mountains, where you can have a drink and enjoy the beauty and silence. A loot of cute cats in the garden 🐈 and superkind, friendly owner ☺️ thank you so much for great experience there!!"

Оксана Авгуль

"They have the most mesmerizing view of the town and castle with stunning sunsets. Their hospitality is off the charts. Best beer korcha dark beer.. healthy tasty smoothie.
They provided a chilled glass for the beer. Which was never seen usually.
Only downside is it's a cash only place. They accept Euros and it's a good deal 🤝.
I recommend visiting here if you are in town. Do the hike or come by car. (Careful with narrow road)."

Sankynymous (Sanky)

"This house is very well maintained with lots of information about it's past inhabitants. The views from the top are amazing, worth the hike up the hill."

Oskar

What People Like

Amazing architecture and interiors
Breathtaking terrace views
Friendly owners and cats

What People Dislike

Narrow, steep access roads

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Zekate House is located in Gjirokaster, Albania. You can reach it by car, but be aware that the roads are narrow and winding. Many visitors opt to walk up from the city center, which offers increasingly beautiful views as you ascend. Parking can be challenging near the house itself. Reddit

Driving to Zekate House requires navigating Gjirokaster's steep and narrow streets. While possible, it can be a tight squeeze, and parking directly at the house might be limited. Consider parking further down and walking. Reddit

Many travelers find the walk up to Zekate House to be a rewarding experience, offering progressively stunning vistas of the city and surrounding landscape. Reddit

While there isn't direct public transport to the house itself, you can take local buses or taxis to Gjirokaster town and then proceed on foot or by a short taxi ride. TikTok

The roads leading to and around Zekate House are characteristic of Gjirokaster's historic architecture – steep, cobblestoned, and narrow. Drive with caution. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee for Zekate House is typically around 250 Albanian Lek (ALL), which is approximately 1.50 EUR or 1.70 USD. This is considered a very reasonable price for the experience. Instagram

No, advance booking is generally not required for Zekate House. You can purchase tickets upon arrival. Instagram

Opening hours can vary, but Zekate House is typically open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check locally or look for signs upon arrival, especially outside of peak tourist season. TikTok

No, Zekate House is a cash-only establishment. They accept both Albanian Lek and Euros. Reddit

While not always formal, the owners are often present and can provide insights into the house's history and architecture. Descriptions for each room are also available. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed inside Zekate House, allowing you to capture the stunning Ottoman architecture and interior details. Be respectful of the historical artifacts. Instagram

The terrace offers incredible panoramic views of Gjirokaster and the valley, especially during sunset. The intricately decorated rooms and wooden ceilings are also highly photogenic. Reddit

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone near Zekate House or within Gjirokaster. Instagram

Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides the most beautiful light for photography, enhancing the colors of the architecture and the landscape. Reddit

While generally permitted, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography. Some specific exhibits might have restrictions. Instagram

🍽️ ☕ Food & Drink

Yes, Zekate House features a charming terrace bar where you can enjoy drinks, including local beers and smoothies, while taking in the views. Reddit

The bar offers a selection of drinks, with Korça dark beer and healthy, tasty smoothies being popular choices. They even provide chilled glasses for beer. Reddit

While primarily a place to visit and enjoy drinks, the terrace bar offers a relaxing spot to unwind. Full meals are not typically served, but snacks might be available. Instagram

Absolutely! The stunning views, especially at sunset, combined with a relaxed atmosphere and friendly service, make it an ideal spot for a romantic date. Reddit

Yes, Gjirokaster has many restaurants and cafes within walking distance or a short drive from Zekate House, offering traditional Albanian cuisine. TikTok

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