Exploring Berat: A Journey Through Albania’s History

Berat is one of Albania’s oldest cities, inhabited for thousands of years. This ancient city has been home to a number of different civilizations and empires, contributing to its rich cultural and historical identity.

Berat is also known as the “City of a Thousand Windows.” It’s easy to understand why when you see the distinctive white limestone houses with their many closely spaced windows – a legacy from the time of Ottoman rule.

Berat is listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List and should be on your bucket list of cities to visit.

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This charming small Albanian town is located alongside the Osum River, meandering between two imposing hills. The two historic areas, Gorica and Mangalem, cling to opposite sides of the river. Just above Mangalem looms the impressive Berat Castle, Kalaja e Beratit.

Throughout history, Christians, Muslims, and Jews have peacefully coexisted in Berat. The residents take pride in their long tradition of religious freedom. Perhaps the rest of the world could learn a bit from Berat? Here are some suggestions for things to do in Berat.

Best things to do in Berat

Hike up to Kalaja e Beratit – the Berat Castle

The Berat Castle is undoubtedly the most important attraction. While it’s possible to take a taxi up, we recommend walking. It’s a very pleasant walk that doesn’t take too long. Taking our time, we used less than thirty minutes. Along the way, there are several nice spots to take pictures.

Explore the Berat Castle

The practical thing about Berat is that many of the city’s attractions are located within the castle area. Allocate plenty of time because the area is extensive, and it’s easy to get disoriented – we did!

The Berat Castle is still inhabited – so you will encounter locals on their way to and from their homes. Many make a living by selling handmade items, jams, wine, raki, and similar to tourists visiting the castle. It’s very nice to explore the many small and narrow alleys between the houses up here.

The Holy Trinity Church (Kisha e Shën Triadhës)

There are many small churches within the castle area, but the Holy Trinity Church is one of the most beautiful.

It can be a bit challenging to find this church, but don’t give up. This Byzantine church is simply a beautiful gem of a building with its stylish pattern of red and white bricks.

Pictures from some of the other churches in the castle area:

The large head

We had only seen the head sculpture in a small picture and didn’t know how big it was or who it depicted. The head is enormous and depicts the Roman ruler Constantine the Great.

The Red Mosque (Xhamia e Kuqe)

The first thing I thought when I saw the ruins of the Red Mosque was that it looked a bit like an old factory chimney. But it was, of course, the distinctive circular minaret in the mosque, the tower from which prayers were once called out. It is believed that the mosque was built in the 1500s, shortly after the Ottomans conquered Berat. Now, the minaret and not much else is what’s left of the old mosque.

Viewing platform

The castle area has several nice viewpoints, but this platform is located in a place that provides a perfect overview of the city and the Osum River. It’s especially nice to take pictures of the sunset from here.

Taste traditional food

When in Berat, you should take the opportunity to taste some of the local dishes. Many of the city’s small taverns offer a selection of Albanian dishes. At the most popular ones, it might be wise to book a table a day in advance. Read our guide to Albanian local food.

Want to try some Albanian beer with your meal? Then take a look at our guide to Albanian beer.

See the river and the city from Gorica Bridge

Gorica Bridge connects the two beautiful old town areas, Gorica and Mangalem. Today, there is no significant difference between the two neighborhoods, but in the past, Mangalem was the Muslim quarter, while Christians lived in the Gorica quarter.

Stroll along Republika Boulevard

In Albania, there is a specific word for evening walks – xhiro. When the sun goes down, people come out to walk, often for several hours. They stop and chat with friends and acquaintances, sit down for a cup of coffee, or play chess or dominoes. In Berat, it is especially Republika Boulevard that comes to life as darkness settles over the cozy little town.

Other things to do in Berat, Albania

There were several things we didn’t have time for but are worth checking out. For example, the Onufri Iconographic Museum, which houses a variety of artworks and various historical and religious artifacts.

If you have more days available, you can try rafting in the Osum River or wine tasting at one of the city’s many vineyards.

Berat, Albania, has several large and small mosques and churches

Also, check this out: 10 things to know before traveling to Albania.

How to get to Berat?

There are several daily buses to Berat from Tirana and Saranda. It might be smart to book tickets the day before.

How much time do you need in Berat?

You should have at least one overnight stay here. There is much exciting things to see and experience in Berat. The castle alone easily takes 4–5 hours. We had about 24 hours in Berat, and it was a bit tight on time.

One important tip

Many of the city’s hotels are located high up in Mangalem and Gorica where there are no roads. This means you have to carry all your luggage up many steep stairs/small paths. You have been warned!

Enjoy your time in Berat, Albania!

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