Berat

Berat, a city in central Albania, is known for its Ottoman-era houses that line the hillsides along the Osum River. The city center, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, includes Berat Castle, several Byzantine churches, and Ottoman mosques. In Berat, you can walk through narrow streets, visit local markets, eat at traditional restaurants, and enjoy views of the river valley.

Ottoman Houses of Berat

The steep hillsides of Berat's Mangalem and Gorica neighborhoods are covered with traditional Ottoman houses. These white buildings have many windows aligned symmetrically, which led to Berat's nickname "The City of a Thousand Windows." As you walk through the narrow streets, you'll notice how the houses are built in tiers on the hillside. Many of these houses were built in the 18th and 19th centuries, and some are still home to local families.

Berat Castle: A Living Fortress

Berat Castle sits on a hill above the city and covers a large area that includes Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, and houses. What makes this 13th-century fortress unusual is that people still live inside its walls. As you walk around, you might see residents going about their daily lives, hanging laundry, or working in small gardens. From the castle walls, you can look down on Berat and see the mountains in the distance.

Gorica Bridge

The Gorica Bridge, built in 1780, is an important landmark in Berat. This stone bridge has seven arches and crosses the Osum River, connecting the Mangalem and Gorica neighborhoods. When you walk across the bridge, you can see the river and the rows of Ottoman houses on both sides. The bridge is particularly beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon when the light highlights the details of the surrounding buildings.

Religious Sites in Berat

Berat has a long history of different religions coexisting, which you can see in its various places of worship. The Onufri Iconography Museum is in the 16th-century Church of the Dormition of St. Mary inside Berat Castle. It displays a collection of religious icons and artifacts. In the Mangalem area, you can visit the King Mosque, built in the 15th century, which has detailed frescoes inside. The Church of St. Spiridon in the Gorica neighborhood is also worth visiting, with its stone bell tower and round pillars.

Food and Drink in Berat

The food in Berat reflects its cultural history and the crops grown in the surrounding area. Local restaurants serve traditional Albanian dishes like fërgesë (a dish made with peppers, tomatoes, and cheese), tavë kosi (baked lamb with yogurt), and byrek (pastries filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables). Berat is also known for its locally-made wine. You can visit wineries near the city to taste Albanian wines and learn about wine-making in the region, which has been practiced since ancient times.

Osum Canyon

About 30 kilometers from Berat is the Osum Canyon. The Osum River has carved this canyon, creating walls that rise up to 100 meters high. You can hike on trails along the top of the canyon, which give you views of the river below and the surrounding landscape. If you visit in spring when the water level is higher, you can go rafting through the canyon.

Getting to and Around Berat

Berat is about a two-hour drive south of Tirana, Albania's capital. You can take a bus from Tirana or other major Albanian cities to get to Berat. Once you're in Berat, you can explore most of the historical center on foot, but be prepared for some steep streets. There are local buses that can take you to the edges of the city and nearby attractions.

When to Visit Berat

Spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) have mild temperatures and fewer tourists than summer. During these months, you can comfortably walk around the city and visit outdoor sites. Summer (July and August) can be hot, but there are more outdoor cafes open and cultural events happening. In winter, it can be cold and some attractions might have shorter opening hours, but you might enjoy seeing the white houses of Berat against snow-covered mountains.