Gavrankapetanović House
Description
Gavrankapetanović House is one of the most impressive examples of Ottoman residential architecture in Bosnia and Herzegovina, located in the heart of the old town of Počitelj. The complex consists of two smaller and one larger building, divided into the selamlik — a space for men — and the haremlik — a space for women, built during the 16th and 17th centuries. It is characterized by a series of windows on the western facade, an open divanhana, a hayat on the ground floor, and an enclosed courtyard, alongside a recognizable blend of Islamic, Mediterranean, and Herzegovinian architecture.
After being abandoned in the mid-19th century, the house was restored and repurposed as an artists' colony, and the central building today serves as accommodation for artists seeking inspiration in Počitelj. The scenic landscape with views over the Neretva, the spirit of history, and the silence of the stone alleyways make it a true paradise for creators and visitors alike.
What to Visit
Practical Information
History
Gavrankapetanović House is one of the few preserved Ottoman houses in BiH with a clear division into selamlik and haremlik — spaces that physically separated the male and female worlds of everyday life. That division, carved into the very layout of walls and doorways, today tells visitors more about life in the 17th century than any book.
