Berat, Albania

Berat, Albania.

Berat, historically known as Poulcheriopólis and Antipatreia, is the ninth most populous city of the Republic of Albania. The city is the capital of the surrounding Berat County. By air, it is 71 kilometres (44 miles) north of Gjirokastër, 70 kilometres (43 miles) west of Korçë, 70 kilometres (43 miles) south of Tirana and 33 kilometres (21 miles) east of Fier.

It is one of the country's most beautiful towns, and is known as the "town of a thousand windows".

Geographically, Berat is located in the south of the country surrounded by mountains and hills including Tomorr on the east that was declared a national park. For a total length of 161 kilometres (100 miles) the Osum River runs through the city before it empties into the Seman River within the Myzeqe Plain.

Climate

Berat experiences a Mediterranean climate. Due to its location in a rain shadow of Mount Tomorr the summer in Berat is much warmer than the rest of Mediterranean.

Get in

Take a Furgon/Van from Tirana to Berat (cost: 500 lek). From other towns make a connection via Fier (200-250 lek). Buses also run from Tirana to Berat (cost: 400 lek). To Sarandë (via Gjirokastër), departs 8AM and 2PM daily, 6 hours (1000 lek). Buses to major towns in Albania from Berat. Check the board at the bus station for destinations and departure times.

Get around

The town is small enough to be toured by foot. Taking a walk on the footpaths of the old town is a must!

What to See in Berat

• The castle (Kala). mostly built in the 13th century, but with origins going back to the 4th century BC. A very beautiful place with great views of the surrounding area. Getting to the Kala requires a steep walk up a cobbled path - take care, the stones are worn and slippery. The citadel is still inhabited, with many churches, and there are a couple of bars and shops in the Kala area.

Castle of Berat.

• Onufri Iconography Museum (Muzeu Kombëtar Ikonografik Onufri), Rrugica Shën Triadha (within the Kala). Closed Mondays. at the site of a church, features the vivid iconography works of the famous 16th century painter Onufri and others. The museum hold other artifacts gathered form nearby churches and others around Albania.

• Berat Ethnographic Museum, Rruga Andrea Tavanxhiu (Located in the grounds of a traditional house, on the way up to the castle). It features traditional local furniture and house utensils.

Berat Ethnographic Museum.

• Mangalem old town area (Below the Kala, south of the river). a traditionally Muslim area.

• Gorica old town area (Below the Kala, north of the river). A traditionally Christian area.

• Byzantine Churches, dating from the 13th century.

• St Mary church (Kisha e Shën Mari Vllahernes), next from Rrugica Panajot Haxhimihali (within the Kala).

• Church of St Demetrius (Kisha e Shën Mitrit) (within the Kala).

Church of St Demetrius.

• Church of St. Theodore (Kisha e Shën Todrit) (Kala northern part).

Church of St. Theodore.

• Church of St. Sophia (Kisha e Shën Sofisë) (within the Kala).

• Dormition Cathedral (Center of the Kala).

• Holy Trinity Church (within the Kala).

Holy Trinity Church.

• Saint Michael Church (Kisha e Shën Mëhilli), Rruga e Shën Mëhilli.

• Cathedral of St. Bitri (Katedralja e Shen Bitrit), Rruga Antipatrea and Rruga Rilindja corner.

• Mosques from the Ottoman era (starting from 1417).

• Sahatit Mosque (Clock Mosque, Xhamia e Sahatit), Rruga Xhamia e Sahatit.

• Kuqe Mosque (Red Mosque, Xhamia e Kuqe), Rrugica Mbrica (South part of the Kala).

Kuqe Mosque.

• Bachelors' Mosque (Xhamia e Beqareve), Rruga Antipatrea.

Bachelors' Mosque.

• Mbret Mosque (King Mosque, Xhamia Mbret), Rruga Mihal Komnena.

• Tekke of Helveti (Teqeja e Helvetive).

• Lead Mosque (Xhamia e Plumbit), Rruga Gaqi Gjika.

Lead Mosque.

Further afield

• Tomorri Mountain (Parku Kombëtar Mali i Tomorri) (E 20 km. Can be reached with 4x4 vehicles). A national park. - At mountain peak a Bektashi Temple is located.

Osum river and Mount Tomorr.

• Bogova Waterfall (Ujëvara e Bogoves), Bogovë village (S 30 km between Berat and Corovode).

• Osumi River Canyon (S 58 km. Skrapar District). One of the most beautiful rivers in Albania passing through canyons as high as 100 meters. Outdoor Albania offers a 3 hour rafting experience inside the canyons.

What to Do in Berat

• Take a walk on the peculiar Footpaths of The Old Town featuring exterior flower and plant decorations, tight paths and unique local hospitality.

• Visit the Edward Lear Art Gallery and the private studios of local artisans.

• Horse ride at Gorica Hill.

• Take a walk along the main Promenade at sunset where locals hang out for some fresh air.

• Cinema.

• Osum Park.

Buy

Traditional souvenirs include stone carving, wood cheeping, and textile products.

Eat

• Rice with turkey-cock (Pilaf me kaposh deti)

• Mont Blanc pastry named after the white peak of Tomorri Mt.

• Try the delicious figs and olives of the area.

• There is a traditional restaurant just inside the Kala area that does very good food.

• Guva Mangalem Hotel-Bar-Restaurant, Rruga Llambi Guxhumani, e-mail: info@guvamangalem.com. Average. - Rooms: Air Conditioning, Room Service, Internet, Bathroom.

• Ajka Restaurant (across the Osum River). Delicious food with an excellent view.

Drink

• Try traditional Raki made from walnuts (Raki me arra), and peculiar juice made from roses.

• Cobo Winery. Features locally made wine and a winery tour.

Sleep

Accommodation is mainly in the form of private rooms as many traditional house owners have turned their localities into B&B. Hotels are also available.

• Berat Backpackers, Rruga Nikolla Buhuri 295, Gorica, +355 693064429. Berat's hostel. Prices from 1350LEK.

• Hotel Mangalemi, Mangalem District, +355 32 232 093.

• Hotel Nasho Vruho, Rr. Llambi Guxhumani, Mangalem District, +355 32 232355.

• Lorenc Guesthouse & Hostel, Stiljano Bandilli Road, Porta 18 (cross the old bridge of Gorica, there is the square Alfred Gimitiku and you will see the Road), +355 696337254. Nice private guesthouse in an old quarter of Gorica. It's run by Lorenc and his mother, feels like home. €12.

• Hotel Palma, Rruga Santa Lucia (across the street from the Bachelors' Mosque, near the bridge), +355 32 232143. Comfortable air-conditioned room with king size bed for €30 per night, buffet breakfast included. Some of the staff speak English.

Go next

• Tirana - There are buses.

• Gjirokastër - Take a bus.

• Sarandë via Gjirokastër - departs 8AM and 2PM daily, 6 hours (1000 lek)

• Fier - If you wish to travel to Fier, it is recommended not to take shortcuts as the direct road between Berat and Fier is in bad shape. Instead, go via Lushnjë.

• Athens, Greece - Direct buses. (Wikivoyage)