Summary
This elevated city in south-central Albania boasts 2,500 years of history, which has endowed it with remarkable archaeological sites, charming residential neighborhoods, and well-preserved monuments. The allure of Berat lies in its UNESCO World Heritage architectural sites, coupled with the breathtaking mountain landscapes that surround the city.
Since coming under the dominance of the Ottoman Empire in the 1400s, Berat has also been a place where Christians and Muslims have coexisted harmoniously, sharing sacred spaces for churches and mosques alike.
The cityscape is integral to Berat’s charm, with its picturesque stone houses perched on steep hillsides, seemingly stacked upon one another. Let us delve into the most notable attractions in Berat!
1. The Kala
The ancient citadel of Berat rises dramatically above the modern section of the city, accessible via a challenging cobblestone pathway—please do not underestimate its steepness! A fortress has existed here since the 300s, but the structures we see today, including the walls and towers, date back to the 1200s.
What is particularly intriguing is how this elevated medieval defense structure still accommodates homes and local businesses, including several bars offering refreshing beverages.
The blend of historical significance and the elevated location make the Kala an ideal introduction to Berat. A guided tour provides insight into the fascinating history of these fortifications.
2. Iconography Museum
The Onufri Museum of Icons is housed within the 18th-century St. Mary’s Church, located in an inhabited section of the Kala. In a city renowned for its Byzantine heritage, the Iconography Museum provides context on one of the artists who contributed to the churches during the 1500s. Onufri is recognized as Albania’s most significant Orthodox iconographic painter, known for infusing his subjects with profound humanity. Interestingly, Onufri developed a unique pink dye for his works, a recipe he kept confidential until his death.
3. Mangalem and Gorica
Adjacent to the Kala are two historic neighborhoods, positioned on opposing banks of the Osumi River. Mangalem, located on the north side, carries a predominantly Muslim heritage, while the southern bank is home to Christian Gorica.
Both areas feature narrow streets lined with ancient white stone houses, adorned with terracotta tiles, wooden doors, and vibrant floral displays. Exploring these historic neighborhoods could easily consume several hours. The Gorica Bridge, built in 1780 and characterized by its seven arches, connects Gorica and Mangalem and is steeped in local folklore.
One popular tale recounts the existence of a secret dungeon on the bridge where a girl was imprisoned to appease the spirits that oversee the crossing.
4. Bulevardi Republika
During weekends and evenings, this spacious promenade provides an excellent setting for a leisurely stroll. It is situated within the modern sector of Berat and offers access to the river.
The walkway is adorned with cafes featuring outdoor seating, while rows of trees enhance the ambiance on the opposite side of the path.
This location serves as a perfect spot to observe how locals of Berat relax. The charm of Bulevardi Republika is magnified by the splendid backdrop of Mount Tomorr in one direction and the citadel in the other; this view becomes especially captivating when illuminated at night.
5. Local churches
Berat is a city where Islam and Christianity have coexisted for centuries.
Within the citadel, the Orthodox Church of St. Mary of Blachernae, dating back to the 1200s, features exquisite murals illustrating saints from the 1500s. Situated on a steep hillside within the Kala, be sure to appreciate the beautiful mosaics upon your visit.
The Church of St. Mitri, while not in perfect condition, still exhibits sizable portions of its original murals dating back to 1607.
6. Berat’s historic mosques
A visit to the city’s historic mosques is also essential. The Lead Mosque, located centrally in Berat, dates back to the 1500s during a period when the city was becoming one of the most significant centers for religion and trade in the western Ottoman Empire. It is constructed in a Turkish architectural style and derives its name from the lead-covered dome.
The Red Mosque, a historical ruin, is found just outside the citadel’s walls. Established in the 1430s, it is among Albania’s earliest mosques, built shortly after Berat’s conquest by the Ottomans.
7. Dimal
Along the banks of the Osumi River, one can observe the earliest evidence of civilization in Berat, dating back to 200 BC. Dimal held significant strategic and political relevance as a Macedonian stronghold in southern Illyria and played a pivotal role in the Illyrian-Roman war.
Upon the site’s discovery in the 1960s, one of the first artifacts unearthed was a stoa, a type of covered walkway flanked by columns, extending 30 meters in length.
The site bears resemblance to the archaeological complex located in Fier, and the numerous stamped tiles found in Dimal suggest the diversity of workshops that existed in this ancient settlement.
8. Ethnographic Museum of Berat
This 18th-century stone structure, with its wooden beams and stairways, provides a comprehensive overview of life in the city since its inception.
A variety of artifacts related to local artisanal industries and domestic practices are on display, including an authentic antique olive press and ceramic pieces utilized in the city several centuries ago.
Visitors can explore traditional textiles and costumes, including insights into the weaving techniques employed. Some rooms have been designed to resemble traditional lounges or dining areas, allowing one to envision life as an Ottoman years ago.
9. Tomorr Mountain
Dominating the eastern horizon of Berat is Tomorr Mountain National Park, whose highest peak rises to 2,416 meters. The mountain range is often capped with snow throughout the year.
For those vacationing in Berat during the summer, the elevated temperatures may make hiking challenging; however, local operators offer 4×4 trips to the summit of Mount Tomorr. At the peak, one can find a shrine belonging to the Bektashi order of Shia Islam.
The ascent route is picturesque, traversing olive groves, pine forests, and pastoral highlands before arriving at a stark landscape of exposed rock.
10. Osumi River Gorge
The Osumi River originates in the town of Çorovodë, where one of Albania’s most pristine natural wonders can be found. Located just south of Tomorr National Park, this gorge features deep walls that have eroded, creating a unique array of caves, passages, and ledges.
In certain areas, the cliffs reach several hundred meters in height, and the shelter provided by the gorge creates a microclimate that guarantees greenery year-round.
The optimal time to explore the gorge is during spring, when melting snow renders the entire 26 kilometers navigable by raft. Inquire in Berat regarding guides and tours available to the gorge.
11. Bogova Waterfall
Buses to Skrapar leave from Berat every hour, and if you disembark at Bogova, you’ll be on your way to this stunning waterfall, enveloped by pristine nature.
A dirt trail departs from the bus stop leading into the hills, and after approximately half an hour of walking, you will encounter a stream that guides you to the waterfall.
Interestingly, even during the warmest days of summer, the water remains strikingly cold. It is a picturesque setting, featuring cascades that feed into a jade-colored pool surrounded by lush greenery.
12. Cobo Winery
A substantial portion of the countryside surrounding Berat is blanketed with vineyards, and wine production is experiencing a resurgence in this region after being largely abandoned during Communist rule, which prohibited private enterprises like this.
The Cobo winery, situated a few kilometers northwest of Berat, serves as the prime location to discover this revival.
Although the Cobo family endured a 50-year hiatus, they possess over a century of winemaking expertise. Participating in a tour here allows you to view several vineyards, the Cobo family residence, winery facilities, and concludes in a tasting room where you can sample five exceptional wines produced on-site.
13. Sufi Teqes
There are two Sufi structures in Berat, both of which have been designated as cultural monuments of Albania.
The Halveti Teqe, constructed in the 1400s, features a patio at the front and a portico supported by five stone columns. Upon entering, one can appreciate the intricate tile work adorning the walls. An ancient stone staircase runs along one side of the structure, leading to the prayer hall, characterized by a carved wooden ceiling inspired by European Baroque with an Arabic twist.
Berat’s Rûfai Teqe was established in the 1700s by Ahmet Kurt Pasha, the first governor of the Pashalik of Berat, which enjoyed semi-autonomy within the Ottoman Empire.
14. Tasting traditional food and drink
A unique artisanal summer beverage specific to this area is crafted from rose petals, lemon juice, water, and sugar, steeped over several days and served chilled. Another popular drink throughout the region is raki; however, in the Berat area, it is produced by distilling walnuts, akin to the Italian spirit, Nocino.
Regarding local cuisine, the fertile landscape provides an abundance of figs and olives, both celebrated for their exceptional quality and commonly enjoyed as snacks. Signature dishes to sample include Byrek, a savory pie filled with meat and leeks, and baked stuffed zucchini.
For dessert, one can savor Kabuni, a rice dish with raisins and cinnamon, or the regional staple, baklava.
15. Apollonia
The city of Fier is just an hour’s drive away, and located just outside this city, one can travel back in time to antiquity.
Apollonia, known in antiquity as Illyria, was an ancient Greek settlement founded in 600 BC, which subsequently flourished during the Roman period. The ruins are situated atop a hill and are freely accessible to the public, complete with informative signs detailing the remnants of an amphitheater, temples, and the infrastructure of the ancient city.
An on-site museum provides a display of artifacts recovered from the site, housed within a 14th-century monastery.
