household curiosities. All the objects in the museum are original. On the ground floor you’ll see traditional farming tools, some used in the old craft of leather processing, and many used in the traditional cultivation of olives and olive oil. Kruja has a long tradition of olive cultivation and olive oil processing, that goes all the way back to the legendary Skanderbeg’s time in the 15th century.

The second floor is dedicated to the exhibition of family life, and is certainly one the most fascinating parts of the tour! It’s here where our lovely guide usually reaches the peak of his gripping storytelling. First, we have the women’s room which includes what Albanians refer to as paja, a collection of specially-made items that a young woman preserves for her future marriage – often including sheets, table covers, ornaments, and other such items. The women’s room demonstrates the tradition of hospitality, as well as their traditional role of humbly serving the heads of the household. A completely different atmosphere is found in the men’s room, which is decorated with swords and rifles. Women observed the men’s activities through small windows in order to ensure they were not lacking in food or drinks, and were only allowed to enter it to serve them. A curious tradition that, though now is certainly considered a thing of the past, has left its mark on the lives of Albanians.