Berat

Understand

thumb|A view of Berat

Special pagesCapital of its surrounding eponymous county, the town is known for its well preserved architecture influenced by the Ottomans and Byzantines. There are many 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 buildings with a multitude of windows on 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 hillside fortified town with a backdrop of mountains and river is very picturesque.

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.

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

thumb|Bachelors' Mosque thumb|The Ethnographic Museum of Berat (House of 'Xhokaxhinjve')

Numerous Byzantine Churches, dating from the 13th century. Several Mosques from the Ottoman era (starting from 1417).

Do

thumb|Embroidery in Berat Castle 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 is a variety of restaurants within the Kala area that offer 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

Dibra– by bus or personal car 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.