Dervish lodges

The Dervish Lodges, built in the 19th century, are located on the southern side of the Helvetic Tekke, within the religious complex that served as the spiritual center of the Sufi order in Berat. They represent one of the most representative buildings of the communal and ritual life of the dervishes in Central Albania, preserving authentic architectural and functional elements.

The structure consists of an open veranda, located at the front of the building, made of wooden pillars without a ceiling, which offers light protection from atmospheric conditions and creates an open environment for meditation, conversation and reception. The upper floor, where the living rooms were located, is built with thick stone walls, while the roof is covered with carved wood, respecting the construction features of the oriental and local tradition.

One of the most interesting features of the complex is the underground canal that collected the waters of the hill and poured them into the Osum River, an engineering solution designed to avoid floods and guarantee the stable functionality of the complex, even in bad weather. This technology demonstrates the high level of practical organization of religious and social life in this space.

Today, the inns serve as the headquarters of the Regional Directorate of Cultural Monuments in Berat, preserving not only the original structure, but also the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Sufi communities that have left deep traces in the urban and religious history of the city. For visitors and scholars, they offer a rare journey into the ascetic life, traditional Islamic architecture, and religious experience of past centuries.