Discover Berat: the city of a thousand windows
Located in the south of Albania, between green mountains and on the Osum River, Berat is a city with a history of more than 4,000 years, which qualifies it as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique architecture and culture. It is a city where you can enjoy not only the charm of the old quarters, but also the beauty of nature, the taste of the local cuisine and the hospitality of the people. In this article we give you an overview of some of the things you can do in Berat, such as visiting the most beautiful sights, taking the best day trips, using the transport, staying at the best hotels and dining at the nicest restaurants.
Take a free city tour
In Berat you can take a free city tour that takes you to the most important sights in the city and tells you more about the history and culture. You will pass the bridges, the medieval part, the mosques and the castle on top of the mountain. We recommend doing the tour with Free Walking Tour Berat. The guide is available every day at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM in the old Gorica district at the beginning of the Gorica Bridge. This tour is in English, lasts approximately two hours and a reservation is not necessary. Although the tour is free, you can leave a tip at the end. Please give what you think it was worth, we were certainly impressed.
Tip: The tour ends at the viewpoint next to Berat Castle (the flag in the photo below). If you take the tour at 3:00 PM you will end there around sunset, which makes for spectacular scenes!
Sights in Berat
Berat has a lot to offer to visitors interested in history, art, religion and nature. Here are the top sights you shouldn’t miss in this beautiful city:
The castle of Berat
This is the symbol of the city and one of the largest and best preserved castles in Albania. The castle dates back to the 13th century and is built on a rocky hill, it can be seen from practically any point in Berat. From the old center you can walk steeply up to the entrance in 20 minutes, of course you can also take a taxi. Within the castle walls you will find houses that are still inhabited, churches, mosques and ruins. You can visit the red and white mosque, with the highlight being the Trinity Church, which you can find at the back of the castle. From the viewing point near the castle you have a beautiful view of the city and the valley. Berat Castle and the surrounding district are open 24 hours a day and are completely free to visit.
Tip: To get to the castle you will have to walk up a steep section from the old center. Fortunately, there is a faster road that is also steep but a lot shorter. The start of this path can be found here.
Saint Michaels church
St. Michael’s Church is a medieval Byzantine church located outside the Kalaja district on a hilltop of the city of Berat in southern Albania. It was possibly built in the fourteenth century and is dedicated to the Archangel Michael. The church is relatively small and has a cruciform plan with a dome on a drum and an entrance on the west side. Inside the church, the walls are characterized by a combination of rows of red bricks and stone. A collection of frescoes and icons have been preserved. To get to the church you walk up from the Mangalem district. The path to the church can be found here.
The Gorica district
This old district, which lies on the south side of the river, is slightly smaller than the Mangalem district on the opposite side. Gorica was originally the Christian quarter of Berat and is famous for its traditional white houses with red roofs, built on the slopes of the hill. This old district has many churches, such as the Holy Trinity Church, the Holy Nicholas Church and the Holy Spiridon Church. Be sure to walk through the charming and atmospheric streets. Along the waterfront you will find nice restaurants and a few places to have a drink, such as Restaurant Kapllani and Ajka.
The Gorica bridge
This is one of the most iconic monuments of Berat and one of the oldest bridges in Albania. The bridge connects the two old districts, Gorica and Mangalem, across the river and was built in the 18th century. This monumental bridge has seven arches and is made entirely of stone. The bridge is a popular place to take photos and watch the sunset.
The Mangalem district
This is one of two old neighborhoods located on either side of the Osum River. Located on the northern side, Mangalem is known for its whitewashed houses with dark windows, which have given the city the nickname “the city of a thousand windows”. The houses are built in the Ottoman style and have multiple floors that lean on each other. You can walk through the narrow streets here and experience the atmosphere of the past. There are a lot of nice cafes and restaurants both along the waterfront and in the streets themselves.
St Mary of Blachernae
This Byzantine church named after the famous Church of St Mary of Blachernae, near the Palace of Blachernae in Constantinople. St Mary of Blachernae is thought to have been built on the foundations of a ruined 5th-century church that stood on the same site. The church dates mainly from the 13th century and contains impressive frescoes and icons from the 16th century, especially by Nicholas Onufri, the son of the famous painter Onufri.
Walk (Xhiro) on the Boulevard Republika
Xhiro is a popular activity in Albania. Where people take a walk on the city’s main street at sunset. This Albanian word means “walk” and is one of the favorite pastimes of the Albanians. It is a time to socialize, play board games and enjoy each other’s company. Boulevard Republika in Berat is a wide street that runs along the Osum River and is lined with cafes, restaurants, shops and monuments. It is a lively and pleasant place to take an evening walk (Xhiro).
The Red Mosque
This is one of the oldest mosques in Albania and the first to be built in Berat. The mosque dates back to the 15th century and owes its name to the red bricks it is made of. Unfortunately, the mosque has been partially destroyed, but you can still see the minaret and part of the walls. Located within the walls of Berat Castle, the mosque is a symbol of religious tolerance in Albania.
The Ethnographic Museum
This museum is located in a typical 18th century house in the Mangalem district. The museum gives you an insight into the traditional life, culture and crafts of the people of Berat. Here you can see several rooms furnished with original furniture, clothing, jewelry, tools and other objects. The museum also has a beautiful courtyard with a garden and a well.
The Onufri Museum
This museum is located in the Cathedral of Saint Mary, which was built within the citadel in the 18th century. The museum is dedicated to the most famous Albanian icon painter, Onufri, who lived in the 16th century. Here you can admire a collection of his icons and other religious works of art, characterized by their vibrant colors and expressive style. At the entrance to Berat Castle you can take an audio tour that takes you in one and a half of the most important sights in the Onufri museum.
Best day trips from Berat
Berat is a good base to explore other interesting places in the area. Here are some suggestions for the best day trips from Berat:
- Explore the Osumi Canyons: Experience an exciting adventure in the Osumi Canyons, the largest and most spectacular gorges in Albania. The gorge has a length of about 26 kilometers and a depth of up to 100 meters. Walk, swim, jump and enjoy a delicious lunch in a local restaurant.
- Visit historic Apollonia: This is one of Albania’s most important archaeological sites, housing the remains of an ancient Greek and Roman city. Apollonia was founded in the 6th century BC and you can see several ruins here, such as the theater, the agora, the temples, the odeon, the nymphaeum and the triumphal arch.
- Drive through the Tomorri park and visit the Sotira waterfall: Explore the Tomorri park in a 4×4 and get ready for a walk of about two hours that will lead you through forests and valleys, surrounded by nature until you reach the Sotira waterfall. On the way back you can swim in the village of Dardhë.
- Visit both Bogove Waterfall and Osumi Canyons: Bogove Waterfall is located about 40 kilometers from the city, in Tomorri National Park. The waterfall is about 20 meters high and flows into a crystal clear lake, where you can swim and cool off. The waterfall is surrounded by a green landscape with mountains, forests and meadows.
Transport in and to Berat
Although Berat is small, the sights are all within walking distance. You will just have to take the steep hills into account! Nevertheless, even the steepest hills are worth it for the beautiful view at the top. In case it is really too steep, you can of course take a taxi. The landscape is flatter along the river, for example on the main boulevard where there are many restaurants and cafes.
Regarding transport, you can take the bus, which runs regularly between Berat and other cities such as Tirana, Durres, Fier, Vlore and Gjirokastër. The bus is cheap and comfortable, but the timetable may vary depending on the season and demand. You can find departure times and prices online or at the bus station in Berat.
Alternatively, you can rent a car, which gives you more freedom and convenience to explore the area from Berat. The roads are generally in good condition, but pay attention to traffic and traffic rules.
The nicest hotels in Berat
Berat has a wide choice of accommodations, from budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to luxury hotels and villas. You can choose to stay in the historic center, near the citadel or the river, or in a quieter area outside the city. Here are our recommendations for the best places to stay in Berat:
- Ana Rest House Hostel Berat: This affordable hostel is located in the traditional and charming Gorica district, just across the Osum River. The hostel is located in an 18th century house that has been transformed into a cozy hostel with a garden, barbecue, terrace and common room.
- Hotel Rezidenca Desaret: This hotel is located in a historic building in the Mangalem district. The hotel has a garden, a terrace, a restaurant and a bar. With a beautiful view over the river and the city, this is highly recommended.
- Guest House Iljesa: This elegant 19th century house within the castle walls is a special overnight stay. The hotel is located in the heart of the old town and has panoramic views over the valley.
The best local restaurants in Berat
In Berat you can enjoy the typical Albanian cuisine, characterized by fresh ingredients, grilled meat, salads, cheese, yogurt and bread. You can also taste Mediterranean and European cuisine, which has influences from Greek, Italian and Turkish cuisine. Here are some recommendations for the best restaurants in Berat.
- Lili Home-Made Food: This is a cozy and authentic restaurant run by a friendly family in the Mangalem district. The restaurant serves delicious home-made dishes, prepared with local and organic products. You can choose from a variety of meat, fish and vegetarian dishes, accompanied by salads, soups, sauces and bread. The restaurant also has a terrace with a beautiful view of the city.
- Temi Albanian Food: This is a modern and attractive restaurant located in a former monastery. The restaurant serves traditional Albanian dishes, with a creative and contemporary twist. You can choose from a menu that changes every day depending on the availability of seasonal ingredients. The restaurant also has a bar where you can enjoy a drink or dessert.
- Restaurant Kapllani: This cozy and traditional restaurant is located in the Gorica district, across the Osum river. The restaurant is located in an 18th century house that offers beautiful views of the old Gorica Bridge and Berat Castle. The restaurant serves delicious Albanian dishes such as byrek, tavë kosi, qofte and baklava.
If you are looking for a city that will surprise and enchant you with its beauty, history, culture and hospitality, than Berat is the city for you. It is a city that shows you how the past and the present live together harmoniously. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Berat is also known as the city of a thousand windows. It is an absolute must-see when visiting Albania.
