Zakat House

Shtëpia e Zekateve is one of the most celebrated historic houses in Gjirokastër and a landmark example of Ottoman-era residential architecture in southern Albania. Built in 1811–1812 for Beqir Zeko, a senior administrator under Ali Pasha, it stands among the finest surviving tower houses (kulla) in the UNESCO-listed historic city and remains a major cultural attraction today.

Visiting the Site

Zekate house & outdoor cozy bar is located in the historic Palorto quarter above the old town. The property is open to visitors and offers access to the house's richly decorated rooms, courtyards, and elevated viewpoints overlooking the Drino Valley and the stone-roofed neighborhoods of Gjirokastër.

Architecture and Design

The house is a classic urban kulla, combining residential comfort with defensive architectural features. Its most recognizable elements are the twin tower-like wings, the large double-arched façade, thick stone walls, carved wooden ceilings, frescoed reception rooms, and ornate fireplaces. These details illustrate the wealth and social status of prominent Albanian families during the early nineteenth century.

Historical Significance

Constructed during the period when Gjirokastër was part of Ali Pasha's sphere of influence, the residence reflects the political and economic importance of local elite families. The house has been protected as a cultural monument in Albania since the 1960s and is considered one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Gjirokastër domestic architecture.

Interior Layout

The building is organized across multiple levels. Lower floors historically contained storage spaces, a kitchen, and a cistern, while upper levels housed family living quarters and formal reception rooms used for gatherings and celebrations. The grand upper salon, with its decorative craftsmanship and commanding views, is often regarded as the highlight of the house.

Why It Matters

Among the hundreds of historic stone houses that give Gjirokastër its nickname as the “City of Stone,” Shtëpia e Zekateve is frequently singled out as one of the most impressive and authentic. It provides a vivid look at how affluent Albanian families lived during the Ottoman period while showcasing the architectural traditions that helped earn the historic center of Gjirokastër international recognition.