Angonate House

The Angonate House, in Gjirokastër

The Angonate House is one of the most emblematic historic residences of Gjirokastër, the largest old residential complex of the town. The Gjirokastër audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this great Ottoman tower-house, a witness of the characteristic architecture of the town.

The great Ottoman tower-house

The Angonate House is one of the most remarkable historic residences of Gjirokastër and the largest old residential complex still visible in the town. Built in 1881 by the Hanko brothers, members of an influential family of the end of the Ottoman period, it is composed of two buildings organised around two inner courtyards. It illustrates marvellously the very particular architecture of Gjirokastër, made of high stone tower-houses, sorts of small domestic fortresses with thick walls, stone-slab roofs and inhabited upper floors, designed for comfort as well as for defence. A witness of the way of life and the prosperity of the great families of the stone town, the Angonate House is a jewel of the heritage of Gjirokastër.

What to see

You admire the great Ottoman tower-house built in 1881 by the Hanko brothers, with its two buildings around two inner courtyards, its thick walls, its stone-slab roofs and its inhabited floors, an example of the very particular architecture of Gjirokastër. The Angonate House is a jewel of the heritage of the town. It is a stop for those curious about architecture, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Angonate House lies in the old town of Gjirokastër, reachable on foot by sloping alleys. The visit of the residence follows its own hours and conditions, which vary. It is best to check the arrangements before coming and to bring good shoes for the slopes.

When was the Angonate House of Gjirokastër built?

In 1881, by the Hanko brothers, members of an influential family of the end of the Ottoman period; it is the largest old residential complex of the town, an example of the architecture of the stone tower-houses.

Where is the Angonate House?

In the old town of Gjirokastër, in Albania.