Berat Architecture

Berat Castle, or the Citadel, is not just a fortress but a living neighborhood where history comes alive. Sitting atop a rocky hill, this vast complex dates back to the 4th century BC, with most surviving structures from the Byzantine and Ottoman eras. Within its walls, you’ll find centuries-old churches, mosques, and homes still inhabited by locals, all overlooking stunning views of the Osum River valley.

• Architect: Unknown
• Architectural Style: Primarily Byzantine with later Ottoman additions
• Year Built: Originally in the 4th century BC; most structures date from the 13th century
• Address: Berat Castle, Berat, Albania

Berat Castle is a vast fortress that has been continuously inhabited for centuries. The original walls date back to the 4th century BC, with major reconstructions during Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods. Today, the castle is home to residents, religious buildings, and incredible panoramic views.

• Architect: Unknown
• Style: Byzantine 
• Built: 1470 (opened)
• Address: PW5V+4QP, Berat

A well-preserved Byzantine church with a cross-in-square plan, dome, and traditional nave, narthex, and altar layout. It sits prominently within the castle grounds.

aka Basilica of the Dormition of St. Mary (Kisha e Fjetjes së Shënmarisë)

• Architect: Unknown
• Architectural Style: Byzantine
• Year Built: 13th century
• Address: PW5W+H4R, Rrugica Shën Triadha, Berat

This cathedral houses the National Iconographic Museum Onufri and features ornate woodwork, frescoes, and icons from medieval Albania.

aka Church of Saints Constantine and Helen

• Architect: Unknown
• Architectural Style: Byzantine
• Year Built: Date unspecified
• Address: 8C8X+J9R, Ogren-Kostrec

A lesser-known church nestled in the Berat Castle area, associated with Byzantine religious traditions.

• Architect: Unknown
• Architectural Style: Byzantine
• Year Built: 13th century
• Address: PW5V+JQM, Berat

A well-preserved Byzantine church with notable frescoes and architectural details.

Kisha e Shën Kollit

• Architect: Unknown
• Architectural Style: Byzantine
• Year Built: Date unspecified
• Address: PW5V+HQP, Berat

A modest but historically important church near Berat Castle.

• Architect: Unknown
• Architectural Style: Ottoman
• Year Built: 1417
• Address: PW5W+924, Berat

Only the foundations and base of the minaret remain of this limestone mosque destroyed during the 19th-century uprisings.

• Architect: Unknown
• Architectural Style: Ottoman
• Year Built: 15th century
• Address: PW4W+R9F, Berat

A partially ruined mosque recognized as a Cultural Monument of Albania.

Kisha e Shën Sofisë

• Architect: Unknown
• Architectural Style: Byzantine
• Year Built: Date unspecified
• Address: PW5W+R6M, Berat, Albania

A Byzantine church dedicated to St. Sophia, preserving traditional Orthodox Christian features.

aka Église Saint Georges

• Architect: Unknown
• Architectural Style: Byzantine
• Year Built: Date unspecified
• Address: PW4W+HM5, Berat

A small church dedicated to St. George, located within Berat Castle. 

aka Church of St. Evangelista aka Kisha e Shën Evangjelistrës Berat

• Architect: Unknown
• Architectural Style: Byzantine
• Year Built: Date unspecified
• Address: PW5W+FMQ, Rruga Gjon Muzaka, Berat 5002

A church in the lower part of the Castle Quarter, known for its frescoes.

• Architect: Unknown
• Architectural Style: Byzantine
• Year Built: 16th century
• Address: PW5W+WFQ, Berat

A later-period Byzantine church tucked into the fortress area.

• Architect: Unknown
• Architectural Style: Fortification architecture
• Year Built: Date unspecified
• Address: Part of Berat Castle, Berat, Albania

Part of the original defensive fortifications of Berat Castle, offering sweeping views of the surrounding hills.

Berat’s spiritual heritage is richly represented by numerous Byzantine churches and Ottoman mosques scattered throughout the city. Many of these sacred sites have been carefully preserved and remain active places of worship, offering a glimpse into the city’s religious and architectural traditions that span centuries.

Architect: Unknown

Architectural Style: Ottoman

Year Built: 1828

Address: PX32+V24, Berat

A small mosque built for unmarried men, located near the pedestrian street.

Xhamia Mbret

Architect: Unknown

Architectural Style: Ottoman

Year Built: 1492

Address: PX42+7V2, Berat

One of the oldest mosques in Albania, still active today.

Architect: Unknown

Architectural Style: Ottoman

Year Built: 1554

Address: PX34+R5F, Rruga Gaqi Gjika, Berat

Named for its lead-covered dome, this mosque sits near the main entrance to Berat.

aka Saint Demetrius Cathedral

aka Orthodox Cathedral of St. Dimitri

Architect: Unknown

Architectural Style: Byzantine

Year Built: Date unspecified

Address: PX34+GFW, Rruga Rilindja, Berat

Also known as the Orthodox Cathedral of St. Dimitri.

Halveti Tekke

Architect: Unknown

Architectural Style: Ottoman

Year Built: 1782

Address: PX42+CW5, Berat

A historic Sufi dervish lodge with colorful interior ornamentation.

Konakët e dervishve

Architect: Unknown

Architectural Style: Ottoman

Year Built: 18th century

Address: PX42+8X9, Berat

Lodging houses associated with the Halveti Sufi order.

aka Church of St. Spiridon (Kisha e Shën Spiridhonit)

Architect: Unknown

Architectural Style: Byzantine

Year Built: Date unspecified

Address: PW2W+XQG, Rruga Nikolla Buhuri, Berat

Part of the Saint Spyridon Monastery.

Kisha e Shën Thomait

Architect: Unknown

Architectural Style: Byzantine

Year Built: Date unspecified

Address: PW3X+5WV, Rruga Kristaq Tutulani, Berat

An Orthodox church just across the Osum River.

Architect: Unknown

Architectural Style: Byzantine

Year Built: 14th century

Address: PW3W+WMC, Berat

A classic stone church with a spectacular view over the valley.

aka Clock Mosque

Architect: Unknown

Architectural Style: Ottoman

Year Built: 1670

Address: PW4R+F5R, Rruga Xhamia e Sahatit, Berat

An elegant mosque named for its clock tower.

Telelka Camii

Architect: Unknown

Architectural Style: Ottoman

Year Built: Date unspecified

Address: PX33+WRF, Rruga Veri Zaloshnja, Berat

A lesser-known mosque in the northern part of town.

Architect: Ahmet Kurt Pasha (patron)

Architectural Style: Ottoman/Sufi

Year Built: 18th century

Address: Exact location unspecified

A spiritual lodge for the Rüfai Sufi order.

Among Berat’s architectural gems are the palaces built by prominent families during the Ottoman era. The Sarajet e Vrionasve, constructed by the influential Vrioni family in the 18th century, served as both a residence and a religious tekke. Its elegant Ottoman style and historical significance reflect the city’s past as a center of power and culture.

Architect: Unknown

Architectural Style: Ottoman

Year Built: 18th century

Address: PX42+58C, Berat

Once a palace and tekke, built by the Vrioni family, a prominent Ottoman-era landowning family.

Bridges are not just functional structures in Berat—they are vital connectors that tell stories of the city’s past and present. Spanning the Osum River, these historic and modern crossings link Berat’s distinctive neighborhoods and offer some of the best vantage points to admire its unique architecture.

Architect: Unknown

Architectural Style: Ottoman

Year Built: Originally 1780; reconstructed in 1920

Address: Spans the Osum River between Mangalem and Gorica

A stone pedestrian bridge linking two historic quarters.

Ura e Re

Architect: Unknown

Architectural Style: Modern

Year Built: 1980s

Address: Main vehicle crossing into the city

Connects modern Berat to the historic core.

The heart of Berat lies in its neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm. Exploring Mangalem, Gorica, and the Castle district reveals how architecture shapes daily life, blending centuries-old traditions with modern living in a truly authentic setting.

Located on the left bank of the Osum River, Mangalem is the most iconic neighborhood in Berat. Its hillside is covered with white Ottoman-era homes that give the city its “thousand windows” nickname.

Gorica is on the opposite side of the river from Mangalem. It features cobbled alleys, stone homes, and quieter streets. The two neighborhoods are connected by the historic Gorica Bridge.

aka Castle District

This fortified neighborhood sits atop the hill and contains the Berat Castle complex. It is still inhabited and features many of the city’s churches and mosques.

Beyond the iconic landmarks, Berat offers charming urban spaces where locals gather and history subtly blends with everyday life. Places like Bulevardi Republika provide a refreshing contrast to the old town’s ancient streets, inviting visitors to relax and soak in the city’s ambiance.

Architect: Unknown

Architectural Style: 20th-century boulevard design

Year Built: 20th century

Address: Central Berat

Lined with cafes and facing Lulishtja Park, this boulevard offers mountain views and a popular promenade for locals.

Berat’s architecture is a harmonious blend of Ottoman, Byzantine, and Illyrian influences. The iconic white houses with clustered windows, medieval churches, and ancient mosques combine to create a unique urban tapestry. This blend, recognized by UNESCO World Heritage designation, reflects centuries of coexistence and cultural exchange, preserving the city’s historic charm and character.

To understand how Berat fits into the national context, see our Albania Architecture guide, which explores regional styles and other UNESCO sites across the country.

For an authentic experience, we recommend staying in the Old Town, especially in the Mangalem neighborhood. Here, you’ll be surrounded by stunning Ottoman-era houses and within walking distance of Berat Castle, traditional restaurants, and lively pedestrian streets.

Gorica, just across the historic bridge, offers a quieter retreat with beautiful views of the city’s “thousand windows.” Staying centrally allows easy access to Berat’s architectural highlights as well as its renowned food and wine scene.

Here’s a map with hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.

To truly appreciate Berat’s architectural wonders, consider booking a guided city tour. Knowledgeable guides provide fascinating insights into the history, design, and cultural significance of the city’s churches, mosques, bridges, and neighborhoods—stories you won’t find in guidebooks. Tours can be tailored to your interests, making your visit both educational and memorable.