Mangalem Quarter, Berat

"Mangalem" Quarter lies in the shape of a semi-arch in the southern and eastern part of the castle hill in Berat. This residential structure exhibits the characteristics of a medieval urban development outside the fortification walls. It represents a construction phase that may have started in the 15th-16th century, while the residential structures perceptible today were mostly built in the 18th-19th century, incorporating the combination of stone and wooden elements.

The structure of the buildings and their perfect connection with the terrain, together with the common architectural appearance, make this ensemble one of the most attractive points in the historical city of Berat. Unlike other neighborhoods, "Mangalemi" uses a more slippery terrain, thus limiting the possibilities for architectural solutions.

The apartments and the vast majority of them have small dimensions. Most do not have yards or gardens, resulting in the entrances of the apartments facing the alleys. In order to optimize the possible living spaces, some high-floor premises open onto the alleys, thus without obstructing the passage of people down to the cobbled streets. The presence of shops in the first row gives a special feature to the architecture of the neighborhood and helps Berat to be known otherwise as "The City of One Above One Windows," reflecting the city's rich tradition of building large and numerous windows on the facades of housing.