Nestled amid the rolling hills of northeastern Albania, the Hupi Tower (Albanian: Kulla e Hupit) stands as a silent witness to centuries of local tradition, defense, and community life. Located just outside the town of Bulqizë, this well-preserved stone tower exemplifies the fortified family residences—known as kulla—common throughout northern Albania from the late medieval period into the 19th century.
Architecture and Design
The Hupi Tower rises roughly three stories high, built from locally quarried limestone blocks. Its ground floor features a small vaulted chamber once used for storage and sheltering livestock during raids. Narrow slits—called çarkë—pierce the thick walls on each level, allowing defenders to observe and fire upon attackers while remaining protected. A wooden mezzanine on the second level supported daily living quarters, and the top floor, originally roofed with slate tiles, served as an observation platform and refuge in times of siege.
Historical Context
Constructed in the late 1700s by the Hupi family, a notable clan in the Bulqizë region, the tower was part of a network of fortified homes designed to withstand long-standing blood feuds and Ottoman-era conflicts. Each kullë functioned as both a family residence and a fortress: its height and robust construction symbolized wealth and power, while its defensive features ensured safety in turbulent times.
Cultural Significance
Today, Kulla e Hupit is more than an architectural relic—it is a symbol of northern Albanian resilience and identity. Local efforts have stabilized the structure, and limited restoration has preserved key features like the stone masonry and wooden balconies. Visitors can explore the ground floor and climb to the mezzanine, imagining daily life in an era when every day held the risk of attack.
Visiting Kulla e Hupit
Accessible via a short country road from Bulqizë’s town center, the tower is open to the public from spring through autumn. A local guide service offers tours that explain traditional construction methods, clan customs, and regional history. Photographers and history enthusiasts alike find the rugged silhouette of the tower against the Albanian countryside particularly striking at sunrise and sunset.
Preservation and Future
Ongoing preservation efforts aim to protect Kulla e Hupit from water damage and the gradual collapse of its wooden elements. Community-driven initiatives hope to expand interpretation panels and develop a small on-site museum displaying artifacts found during archaeological surveys. Through these projects, the Hupi Tower will continue to educate and inspire future generations about Albania’s rich heritage of fortified family homes.
