Mangalem Quarter
Mangalem is the face of Berat — the cascade of white Ottoman houses climbing the hillside that gave the city its famous nickname, the City of a Thousand Windows.
Last updated: September 2026
The Mangalem quarter sits on the western bank of the Osum, directly below the castle. Its houses — whitewashed, stone-based and timber-framed — are stacked so closely up the slope that each row seems to rest on the rooftops of the one below, their countless windows staring out across the valley. Hence the name City of a Thousand Windows.
Exploring Mangalem
Wandering Mangalem's steep, cobbled lanes is the essential Berat experience. The quarter is dense with traditional houses, several now serving as guesthouses, museums and cafés. The King Mosque and other Ottoman-era monuments speak to centuries of Muslim and Christian coexistence that shaped the city.
Photography
Mangalem is one of the most photographed corners of the Balkans. The best views are from across the river in Gorica, and from the castle ramparts above — especially in the soft light of late afternoon.