Located in the heart of Albania, with its picturesque nature, rich history and local generosity, Berat welcomes visitors throughout the year. The city of "one-on-one windows" (not 1001 windows 😂) is one of the world's sites protected by UNESCO, where you can wander the centuries-old cobbled streets.
The Osum River divides the city of Berat into two parts, Gorica and Mangalem, connected to each other by the bridge of Gorica. Mangalem it is the heart of the city, where along the boulevard you will find a number of hotels, bars and restaurants to pass the time. But, in addition to the characteristic houses and good food, in Berat you will have the opportunity to enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes of Albania in Belsh and Roshnik.
How to get to Berat?
The road to Berat from Tirana is long about two hours and passes through Elbasani. You can also go from Durrës, but passing through Elbasan you will have the opportunity to enjoy a coffee or lunch on the edge Lake Belshi, as well as one of the most panoramic and beautiful roads in Albania. If you don't have your own car, a rental car will cost you around €50-60 per day, while the bus ticket from Tirana to Berat costs 500L. From Berat bus station you can go to the city by bus or taxi.
Where to stay in Berat?
What to visit in Berat?
Berat lies on the hill of Gorica, at the foot Tomorri mountain, which amazes you with its grandeur as soon as you approach the city. According to legends, Tomorri and Shpiragu, two brothers, fell in love with the same girl, Osum. When they found out about this, Tomorri cut Shpirag with his sword, while Shpirag shot Tomorri with a cannon, leaving holes in him. Meanwhile, the girl's tears flowed, until they turned into the river Osum.
The two characteristic neighborhoods of Berat, Gorica and Mangalem, have different historical origins. Gorica is known as the Christian quarter of the city, while Mangalem is known as the Muslim quarter. As a result of this division, Mangalem received its main development during the Ottoman occupation, a period in which characteristic houses were built, which give it and Berat his name. The neighborhoods are connected via the Gorica bridge, which with its 7 arches provides fantastic photo opportunities.
At the top of the hill it is raised like a crown The Castle of Berat, the largest in Albania. In fact, this castle is one of the few that is still inhabited. For this reason, inside the castle you will find a number of bars, restaurants, hotels, as well as the liveliness provided by the children playing with balls in the alleys.
Some of the most important historical monuments of Berat are located inside the castle. Here you will find Ethnographic Museum of Berat, and Onufri Iconographic Museum. The latter is located inside the Cathedral of the Dormition of Saint Mary. Inside it you will find the original altar restored in 1797, while further on you will find icons and paintings from the XVI-XVII century. Some of these icons are painted by Onufri himself. Entrance to the Onufri Iconographic Museum costs 400L
Meanwhile, Ethnographic Museum gives you the opportunity to closely touch the life of a traditional family of Berat during this period. Entrance to the Ethnographic Museum costs 300L.
Within the walls of the fortress of Berat there is also Church of Saint Triadh. Built in the XNUMXth century, this small Byzantine church is one of the most beautiful in the country, offering a spectacular view of Berat.
There are also two mosques inside the Castle, The Red Mosque and The White Mosque, which take their name from the stones with which they were built. Both mosques are now in ruins, while the minaret of the Red Mosque is still preserved.
In the evening, you can stroll along the Osum River Mangalem and Republic Boulevard, where you can spend the evening in one of the city's bars and restaurants.
In the vicinity of Berat there are also a number of villages and natural beauties that must be visited. Roshnik is a village at the foot of Tomorri mountain, where you should definitely enjoy a lunch in the fresh air. The road to Roshnik takes about 25 min.
The Osum River extends beyond Berat in the area of ​​Skrapar. If you have time, you can visit Canyons of Osum near Çorovoda, as you pass through Poliçan. For adventurers, Rafting in the Osum Canyons is one of the most unique and challenging experiences, which we suggest you not to miss.
Suggestions for restaurants in Berat
With its stunning architecture, rich history and welcoming atmosphere, Berat is an ideal destination to visit during a weekend, either for couples or for families. Without realizing it, you'll find yourself lost in the stories that emanate from each alley, as well as the scenery that only this area can offer. For me, Berat is a city you should not miss 🙂