Berat

Berat is a city in Albania. In 2008 it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it is a rare example of a well-preserved Ottoman city. It is one of the country's most beautiful cities, and is known as the "city of a thousand windows".

Understand
Capital of its surrounding eponymous county. The town is known for its well preserved architecture influenced by the Ottomans and Byzantines. There are a variety of Byzantine churches and Ottoman mosques in the town reflecting the historical influences of the region and the coexistence of different religious and cultural communities. It is known as the "city of a thousand windows" because of the architectural style whereby buildings are constructed with a multitude of windows on a background of whitewashed walls to make use of daylight. Combined with the hilly nature of the town, the buildings rise above each other on the slopes, making for a striking impression on visitors.

Berat sits beneath the snowcapped Mount Tomorr, a holy mountain for Albanians, along the banks of the River Osum. Berat Castle rises above on a hill on the eastern bank of the river. The combination of a hillside fortified town with a backdrop of mountains and river makes for a picturesque location.

Get in
Berat is 71 km (44 miles) north of Gjirokastër, 70 km (43 miles) west of Korçë, 70 km (43 miles) south of Tirana, 33 km (21 miles) east of Fier, and 67 km (41 miles) from Elbasan.

By bus


Destinations:
 * Tirana – Furgon/Van 500 lek, bus 500 lek as of Oct 2022
 * Fier – 200-250 lek
 * Sarandë – (via Gjirokastër), departs 08:00 and 14:00 daily from Berat, 6 hr, 1,000 lek
 * Elbasan – every 2-3 hr, 400 lek (if by Lushnja)
 * Gjirokastër – daily 08:30 and 09:00 from Gjirokastër, and 13:15 and 14:00 from Berat, 1,000 lek (Jul 2023)

Get around
The old centre of town is small enough to be toured by foot with a significant climb up to the Kala area. Taking a walk on the footpaths of the old town is a must!

See

 * Numerous Byzantine Churches, dating from the 13th century.
 * Several Mosques from the Ottoman era (starting from 1417).
 * The Ethnographic Museum of Berat (House of 'Xhokaxhinjve') 01.jpg
 * Numerous Byzantine Churches, dating from the 13th century.
 * Several Mosques from the Ottoman era (starting from 1417).
 * The Ethnographic Museum of Berat (House of 'Xhokaxhinjve') 01.jpg
 * Several Mosques from the Ottoman era (starting from 1417).
 * The Ethnographic Museum of Berat (House of 'Xhokaxhinjve') 01.jpg
 * Several Mosques from the Ottoman era (starting from 1417).
 * The Ethnographic Museum of Berat (House of 'Xhokaxhinjve') 01.jpg
 * Several Mosques from the Ottoman era (starting from 1417).
 * The Ethnographic Museum of Berat (House of 'Xhokaxhinjve') 01.jpg
 * Several Mosques from the Ottoman era (starting from 1417).
 * The Ethnographic Museum of Berat (House of 'Xhokaxhinjve') 01.jpg
 * Several Mosques from the Ottoman era (starting from 1417).
 * The Ethnographic Museum of Berat (House of 'Xhokaxhinjve') 01.jpg
 * The Ethnographic Museum of Berat (House of 'Xhokaxhinjve') 01.jpg

Do

 * Take a walk on the peculiar footpaths of the Old Town featuring exterior flower and plant decorations, tight paths and unique local hospitality.
 * Horse ride at Gorica Hill.
 * Take a walk along the main Promenade at sunset where locals hang out for some fresh air.
 * Rafting through the gorges around Berat and Permet.

Buy

 * Traditional souvenirs include stone carving, wood chipping, and textile products. You will see women making lace products in the Kala area and this is sold extensively.

Eat
Dishes to try include rice with turkey (pilaf me kaposh deti), Mont Blanc pastry named after the white peak of Mount Tomorri, and the delicious figs and olives of the area.
 * There are also a variety of restaurants within the Kala area offering Albanian cuisine.
 * There are also a variety of restaurants within the Kala area offering Albanian cuisine.
 * There are also a variety of restaurants within the Kala area offering Albanian cuisine.
 * There are also a variety of restaurants within the Kala area offering Albanian cuisine.
 * There are also a variety of restaurants within the Kala area offering Albanian cuisine.
 * There are also a variety of restaurants within the Kala area offering Albanian cuisine.

Drink

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

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.

Go next

 * Tirana – There are buses.
 * Gjirokastër – Take a bus.
 * Sarandë via Gjirokastër – Bus departs 08:00 and 14:00 daily, 6 hr (1,000 lek)
 * Fier – It is recommended not to take shortcuts as the direct road between Berat and Fier is in a bad condition. Instead, go via Lushnjë.
 * Përmet – Only once a day, 07:15.