Zekate House

Zekate House (Kulla e Zekateve) is one of the most famous fortified traditional houses (“kulla”) in Gjirokastër, southern Albania, and a leading example of the region’s traditional Ottoman-era architecture.

History

The house was built between 1811 and 1812 by Beqir Zeko, a local administrator under the rule of Ali Pasha of Yanina. It’s considered one of the grandest examples of Gjirokastër’s traditional architecture, built for the city’s wealthy elite in the early 19th century.

Architecture

The house is known for its twin towers, which give it a fortress-like appearance — a rare feature among traditional Balkan houses. The towers offer panoramic views over the city and surrounding landscape. Inside, the house features stone walls, narrow windows, finely carved wooden balconies, and decorated wooden ceilings, along with advanced-for-its-time features like a built-in cooling system and a private Turkish bath.