King Mosque Berat
A 16th-century Ottoman mosque in Berat, Albania, renowned for its exquisite wood carvings and painted ceiling.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
To appreciate the interior details
King Mosque Berat
Best Time
To appreciate the interior details
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 16th-century Ottoman mosque in Berat, Albania, renowned for its exquisite wood carvings and painted ceiling.
"Stunning mosque with beautiful wood carving and decoration, a unique place definitely worth going in."
Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders & knees for respectful entry. :dress:
Small Donation Appreciated
Around 100 Lek donation often requested. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Intricate Wood Carvings
Interior
Marvel at the beautifully painted, wood-carved mezzanine and ceiling, a testament to Ottoman artistry.
Historical Significance
Exterior
This meticulously preserved 16th-century mosque is a radiant testament to centuries of faith and artistry.
The Adjacent Tekke
Next to the Mosque
If you're lucky, you might get access to the beautifully decorated tekke next door, a wonderful surprise.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Attire is Key
Donation and Nearby Discoveries
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders & knees for respectful entry. :dress:
Small Donation Appreciated
Around 100 Lek donation often requested. :moneybag:
Ask About the Tekke
Sometimes access to the tekke next door is possible. :key:
Check Opening Hours
Hours can vary; staff presence is key for entry. :clock1:
Tips
from all over the internet
Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders & knees for respectful entry. :dress:
Small Donation Appreciated
Around 100 Lek donation often requested. :moneybag:
Ask About the Tekke
Sometimes access to the tekke next door is possible. :key:
Check Opening Hours
Hours can vary; staff presence is key for entry. :clock1:
Appreciate Simple Beauty
Interior is simple but ceiling/woodwork is stunning. :sparkles:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the King Mosque for its historical significance and the stunning, intricate wood carvings and painted ceiling. The staff are generally found to be friendly and welcoming, often offering access to the adjacent tekke with a small donation. However, one review noted a concerning instance of religious discrimination.
"The mosque , meticulously preserved since the early 16th century, stands as a radiant testament to centuries of faith and artistry, embodying both history’s endurance and the city’s soulful harmony."
Wissal Habchi
"Stunning mosque and very friendly staff. I've rarely seen such beautiful wood carving and decoration. A unique place, definitely worth going in"
Sabah B.
"If you are either Israeli and/or Jewlish you have to lie about your nationality and/or your religion, since the guy at the entrance is going to tell you that you're not welcome there.
Funny thing (or very stupid thing on his end) is that both religions share the same god, so punishing by avoiding entrance to a holy place because of one's political views is ridiculous"
A G
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The King Mosque (Xhamia e Mbretit) is located in Berat, Albania. It's situated at the foot of the Mangalem quarter, near the Rezidenza Desaret hotel. You can reach it by walking through the old town. Some visitors mention a narrow street leading up to the hotel, which helps avoid carrying luggage uphill.
While cars can access the area near the hotel at the foot of the mosque, the immediate approach to the mosque itself might involve walking through narrow streets typical of Berat's historic quarters.
Exploring on foot is highly recommended to fully appreciate the historic Mangalem quarter. The mosque is often mentioned alongside other key Berat attractions like the Gorica Bridge and Berat Castle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the King Mosque typically involves a small donation, often around 100 Lek, rather than a fixed ticket price. This donation helps with the mosque's upkeep.
Specific opening hours for the King Mosque can vary. It's best to visit during daylight hours when staff are likely to be present. Some visitors noted that access to adjacent sites like the tekke depends on the caretaker.
There isn't a set entrance fee, but a donation of approximately 100 Lek is usually requested from visitors.
While Friday is a significant day for prayer in Islam, there's no specific information indicating it's closed to visitors. However, it's always wise to check locally or be mindful of prayer times. +1
Generally, non-Muslim visitors are welcome to tour the mosque, provided they are respectful and adhere to the dress code. However, one review mentioned an instance of antisemitism, which is not reflective of typical Albanian hospitality.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside the King Mosque, allowing you to capture the beautiful wood carvings and painted ceiling. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography during prayer times. +1
The interior, particularly the intricately decorated mezzanine and ceiling, is a highlight for photographers. The exterior facade also offers a glimpse into Ottoman architecture.
There are no specific mentions of drone restrictions for the King Mosque itself, but it's always advisable to check local regulations for drone usage in historic city centers like Berat.
🎫 🕌 Onsite Experience
The interior of the King Mosque is described as simple but features a beautifully painted, wood-carved mezzanine and ceiling. It's a testament to detailed craftsmanship.
Its historical preservation since the early 16th century and the exquisite wood carving and decoration make it a unique site. It embodies centuries of faith and artistry.
Yes, the mosque is located in the historic Mangalem quarter of Berat. Visitors often combine a visit with exploring the Berat Castle, Gorica Bridge, and the Saint Demetrius Cathedral. 
A tekke is a place of worship and gathering for Sufi Muslims. Sometimes, visitors who donate at the King Mosque are offered a chance to visit a beautifully decorated tekke located next door.
The staff at the King Mosque are generally described as friendly and polite. They may offer to show visitors around or provide access to nearby sites.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the mosque itself is a quick visit, its location in the historic Mangalem quarter means you can easily combine it with exploring other parts of Berat. Consider a walk along the Osum River or a visit to the Berat Castle, which offers more space for children to explore and learn about history in a more interactive way.
🏛️ History & Architecture Enthusiasts
Consider the mosque's context within Berat's UNESCO World Heritage status. It's part of a rich tapestry of historical buildings that define the city's unique character. The potential to visit an adjacent tekke, if available, adds another layer to understanding the religious and cultural practices of the time.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance and Interior Beauty
Despite its historical importance, the interior is often described as having a simple layout, which allows the decorative elements to truly stand out. The contrast between the understated structure and the rich ornamentation creates a captivating atmosphere. The mosque's preservation is meticulous, ensuring that its historical and artistic integrity remains intact for future generations to appreciate.
Beyond the mosque itself, the experience can be enhanced by the potential to visit an adjacent tekke (a Sufi lodge). This often happens when visitors make a donation, and the caretaker has the key. These tekkes can also feature stunning decorative ceilings, offering an extended cultural and artistic exploration.
Visitor Experience and Community Insights
However, it's important to note that experiences can vary. While most interactions are pleasant, one visitor reported a deeply negative experience involving antisemitism, where they were denied entry based on their religion. This incident, though isolated, is a stark reminder that while Albania is generally known for its religious tolerance, individual encounters can differ. It's crucial for visitors to approach such sites with an open mind and respect for all cultures and religions.
Social media content often showcases the mosque's aesthetic appeal, with videos highlighting its religious significance and visual beauty.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit