Kulla (Tower House)

Kulla of the Gockaj Family

A striking example of the Albanian "Kulla". The Gocka Family Tower near Peja is Kosovo’s living archive of highland life, an 18th-century stone kulla where fortified walls, carved woodwork, and ethnographic exhibits preserve the legacy of Albanian hospitality and resistance.

Getting There

📍 Getting There: Located in the village of Lëbushë, Deçan, about 3 km from Deçan center.

🕒 Open Hours: Monday-Friday 08:30-15:30; weekends (May-October) 10:00-14:00.

♿ Accessibility: Village road. No wheelchair access. Current status: protected cultural heritage monument (listed by MKRS).

Loacally Know as

Kulla e Shaban Gockës

Field Archaeologist & Ancient History Guide

Dr. Ilir Krasniqi

Insider tips

Admission: Entry ticket required; discounts for students and groups.
Architecture: Notice the "Frengji" (narrow loopholes) instead of windows on the lower floors - classic defensive features.
Etiquette: This is often still private property; always ask locals or knock before exploring the grounds closely.
Design: Features characteristic "stone masonry with lime mortar" and a projecting upper floor (çardak).
Photography: Allowed inside and outside; flash discouraged in exhibit rooms.

The Story

The Gocka Family Tower was built in the 18th century as a kulla - a fortified stone house typical of Albanian highland architecture. These towers served both residential and defensive purposes, reflecting the clan-based social structure and the need for protection in turbulent times.

The Gocka Tower features a two-story layout with thick stone walls, small windows, and a wooden balcony. Its interior includes a divan room for guests, a family hearth, and sleeping quarters, all furnished with traditional rugs, copperware, and carved woodwork.

In the early 20th century, the tower became known as the Konak of Tahir Bey and was used as a guesthouse for traveling merchants and dignitaries. Its central location made it a hub of commercial and social exchange.

Today, the building houses the Ethnographic Museum of Peja, with over 2,000 artifacts spanning Illyrian, Ottoman, and modern periods. Exhibits include traditional clothing, tools, musical instruments, and household items, curated to reflect the rhythms of rural and urban Albanian life.

The museum is managed by the Municipality of Peja and plays a key role in cultural education and preservation. It hosts school visits, cultural events, and guided tours, making it a vital stop for anyone seeking to understand Kosovo’s ethnographic richness.