11 May Berat, Albania: The City of a Thousand Windows
Begin your magnificent journey in Berat with a rental car from Rental Car Duro, ensuring free and convenient movement to discover all the wonders this splendid city in Albania has to offer. If there’s one place you should visit in Albania, make it beautiful Berat – also known as the ‘city of a thousand windows’. Explore this marvelous city with its two ancient neighborhoods, filled with traditional Ottoman houses and divided by the Osum River. Spend your days wandering the cobblestone streets, exploring the bustling markets, and witnessing a beautiful mountainous backdrop from the ruins of the Byzantine Castle. Enjoy all the best things to do in Berat, Albania!
Things to Do in Berat, Albania
Berat is one of the most beautiful places in Albania. Here, you’ll discover a magnificent bridge spanning the Osum River that connects two hillside neighborhoods. As you walk the cobblestone streets, you’ll also find mosques, churches, and the ruins of friendly neighborhood cat-filled houses.
There’s plenty of history to uncover in Berat, which is why the historic center is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Moreover, the city has newer parts – namely, the main pedestrian boulevard. Here, you can discover many cafes, restaurants, and shops where families gather at the end of the day.
Advice: Berat is just a short distance from beautiful nature and vineyards, making it an excellent jumping-off point for day trips.
1.Berat Castle
Berat Castle is one of the best things to do in Berat. This 13th-century structure is also the largest castle in Albania, with its ancient walls telling the story of Berat’s history. What’s more interesting is that locals still live within the castle walls, meaning you’ll find houses, shops, and stables within the castle neighborhood. Essentially, it’s its own village!
To get there, you have two routes you can take up the hill. Along half of this route, you can also find a shortcut where you zig-zag up a goat trail. Once you reach the top, it’s very picturesque, with beautiful views over the valley. Plus, you can also climb the walls for fantastic sunset views.
Berat Castle Entrance Fee and Opening Hours
The entrance fee to Berat Castle is 300 LEK (2.70 USD) from 09:00 to 18:00. However, it’s open 24 hours a day, so you can get free entry if you visit outside the regular hours.
We recommend allowing yourself a few hours for exploration and extra time if you wish to visit the museum. You can also join an organized tour of Berat Castle for more information.
2.Visit the Red Mosque of Berat (Best Thing to Do in Berat)
At the top of the hill, inside the castle, are the ruins of one of the oldest mosques in the country! An icon of faith within Albania, the Red Mosque was also the first in Berat. Unfortunately, only the minaret and remnants of some walls remain, although this does not diminish its beauty and significance.
Due to its collapse, it is not an active worship site. However, you can still find some active mosques in the old town of Berat (Mangalem).
Did You Know? More than half of Albania’s population is Muslim, making it the most followed religion in the country.
3.Explore the Old Town of Mangalem
Mangalem is the beating heart of the city and one of the best things to do in Berat. The perfect old town of Berat is home to sprawling Ottoman houses on the hillside and many of the thousand-window mosques that have given Berat its name.
Mangalem has historically been a Muslim neighborhood, while across the river lay Gorica, the Christian quarter. These days there is no difference between the two, and both make up the old town of Berat.
Spend some time in Mangalem, wandering the cobblestone streets and getting a feel for the medieval atmosphere. Look out for all the beautiful buildings in the area, from Orthodox churches to unique Ottoman houses that make the city so unique.
4.Gorica Bridge
Gorica Bridge is one of the top things to do in Berat and is famous for the many photos taken of it. The old stone bridge, with its 7 arches, connects the neighborhoods of Mangalem and Gorica across the river. Walk across the bridge to see a panoramic view of both neighborhoods with the high mountains and castle in the background; simply beautiful!
5.Discover the Neighborhood of Gorica
Gorica is less visited than the two old neighborhoods of the city – but it’s just as beautiful! Cross the bridge and discover a labyrinth of cobblestone streets that wind up the steep hillside to the top of Gorica’s hill. At the top, you’ll get the most incredible views over Mangalem and the castle (perfect for visiting at sunset).
Gorica is one of the most authentic neighborhoods in the city. It’s the perfect place to see a brief presentation of traditional Berat life, as you watch locals go about their days, children playing, and people gathering to enjoy a well-earned break.
6.Holy Trinity Church
Within the castle walls, discover the beautiful Church of the Holy Trinity, an extraordinary Byzantine church atop Berat’s hill. Every stone and ancient tile that makes up this building shows how vast its history is. In fact, the church dates back to the 13th century!
7. Join a Tour of the Osum Canyon (Best Thing to Do in Berat)
Do you have more time on your visit to Berat? If so, don’t miss visiting the Great Osum Canyon! This colossal gorge is Albania’s largest canyon, home to beautiful nature and some of the most spectacular views. Take a tour, where you’ll enjoy views from above the gorge, as well as descending into the pristine canyon for a refreshing swim. This area is also known in the summer for rafting, an exciting activity to do during your trip to Berat.
The Osum Canyon is a 1.5-hour drive from Berat. However, while you can reach it by car, its distance means that sometimes the roads are not always in the best condition. For this reason, we recommend booking an organized tour, including your activities and return transport. Ensure you arrive and explore the Osum Canyon with ease and comfort using Rental Car Duro’s car rental service for your trip to Berat.
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