Berat, Albania is among the most lovely locations you’ll be able to go to not solely within the nation however in the entire Balkan area. Generally known as “town of a thousand home windows” (resulting from its distinctive structure), there are many issues to do in Berat that you just don’t wish to miss throughout your journey to Albania.
Even when this is among the hottest day journeys from Tirana, it’s price spending extra time in Berat, to soak in its lazy ambiance and revel in all it has to supply.
To date I used to be fortunate to go to Berat twice and I do know I will likely be returning there every time I’ve an opportunity. I all the time fall for the vibe of this place and revel in wandering across the windy cobbled lanes (in addition to different Berat sights) manner an excessive amount of.
Berat was additionally the primary place the place I skilled Albanian hospitality which is likely to be one of many the explanation why I’ve a smooth spot for this place. Both manner, I actually can’t advocate visiting Berat sufficient.
For those who plan your Albania itinerary, don’t overlook to place Berat in it, both as a day journey or to remain in a single day there. And in case you are questioning what to do in Berat, I put collectively this Berat information for you that can hopefully enable you to uncover this place in the absolute best manner.
The place is Berat
Berat, a metropolis of round 35 thousand inhabitants, is situated within the central a part of Albania. Tirana, the capital metropolis, is round 100 km north of Berat, and Saranda, a preferred seaside resort metropolis, is sort of 200 km south of Berat.
Why go to Berat, Albania
Berat is among the best-preserved Ottoman cities within the area and yow will discover there quite a few remnants from the Ottoman occasions in addition to the period earlier than and after that. When wandering across the cobbled streets and admiring conventional homes, you’ll be able to really feel just like the time has stopped there.
That is additionally one of the crucial lovely locations to go to in Albania, each due to its structure and monuments. As a result of its large historic and cultural worth, Berat was awarded the title of UNESCO World Heritage Website in 2008.
How you can get to Berat
For those who journey from Tirana, you’ll be able to catch the bus to Berat each half an hour between 6:30 and 17:30. Buses depart from Regional Bus Terminal – North and South Albania (Terminali i Autobusave të Veriut dhe Jugut) situated some 5 km from the middle. You could find the outline of easy methods to get there in my article about Kruja right here. Buses to Berat are parked on the suitable aspect when coming into the bus station.
You too can get direct buses to Berat from different locations in Albania, together with in style locations like Durres, Gjirokaster, or Saranda, nevertheless, there should not as many connections as from Tirana. You will get the overview of schedules at this website (though it’s higher to double-check on the bus station when you arrive in Albania).
How you can get round Berat
The bus station in Berat is situated round 3,5 km away from the historic heart. Fortuitously, there’s a pretty frequent metropolis bus connecting the 2 locations, that you would be able to take for a small payment (you pay contained in the bus). As soon as you’re within the heart, you will get in all places on foot.
Excursions to Berat
Berat is a well-liked vacation spot for day journeys from Tirana or seaside resorts. Organized excursions are choice as you don’t must take care of the effort of attending to and again from Berat (actually, it will possibly get a little bit of a problem to navigate public transport in Albania) and save time when touring straight out of your lodging to the middle of Berat. Often, on the identical day, you may also go to one other attention-grabbing place in Albania.
If you’re desirous about taking a tour listed below are some beneficial choices:
The place to remain in Berat
For those who resolve to remain in a single day in Berat (which I undoubtedly advocate, the ambiance within the night is certainly price it), there are many lodging choices to select from. Listed below are some beneficial ones:
Issues to do in Berat
And eventually, listed below are the most effective issues to do in Berat, in no specific order.
Discover the fortress space
The fortress neighborhood, constructed on the rocky hill and towering above the central a part of town, is the place you can find lots of the greatest Berat sights. The realm was first inhabited within the 4th century BC however lots of the remnants yow will discover date again to the thirteenth century.
Even when it’s a somewhat small neighborhood, it’s actually full of among the greatest issues to see in Berat. And one of the simplest ways to get to know the place is to easily wander round and discover it at your personal tempo. Wander round slim, cobbled lanes, observe your instinct, and immerse within the vibe of the place.
I all the time spend manner an excessive amount of time merely strolling round, and not using a map as Berat fortress it’s too good to withstand. Even when it feels just like the time has stopped there, Berat fortress could be very a lot inhabited and you’ll absolutely stumble throughout hanging laundry or youngsters enjoying round. Visiting Berat fortress is in actual fact one in all my favourite issues to do in Berat and I’m positive you’ll take pleasure in it too.
To get to the Berat fortress you’ll want to climb a bit up (it’s situated at an elevation of 214 meters) however it’s undoubtedly well worth the effort as you’re in for a deal with there. Moreover all of the wonderful Berat monuments, you may also admire the spectacular panorama of the city and past from up there, and you’ll see it from completely different factors within the fortress.
Go to Icons Museum
One of many highlights of Berat is the Onufri Iconographic Museum that yow will discover within the fortress space. Situated contained in the Church of the Dormition of St Mary, that is the biggest Albanian museum named after the grasp of iconography from the sixteenth century – Onufri.
Amongst 173 displayed artifacts (106 of that are icons), yow will discover works of Onufri himself in addition to different well-known native painters. Essentially the most useful work within the museum is the unique iconostasis from the Church of the Dormition of St Mary, relationship again to 1806, with 12 large and 27 small icons.
Even in the event you assume you aren’t actually icons it’s best to nonetheless go to the museum, you is likely to be stunned by the fantastic thing about the artwork there (however because it’s forbidden to take photos inside you simply must imagine my phrase).
See the ruins of Purple and White Mosques
When wandering the Berat fortress you’ll more than likely stumble throughout remnants of each, Purple and White Mosques. These are among the oldest ruins within the space, an incredible testimony of the lengthy historical past of Berat.
Purple Mosque dates again to the fifteenth century and is among the oldest mosques in Albania, constructed shortly after the Ottomans took over the area. It was utilized by the caravans passing by the realm and in a while by the Ottoman military. Solely a small a part of the mosque remained till right now, with its most distinctive characteristic – the minaret. When it you’ll shortly see why this place of worship is called “Purple Mosque” since pink brick was used to construct it.
Not removed from Purple Mosque, yow will discover remnants of White Mosque (constructed from white limestone, therefore the title), barely youthful than its neighbor. It was destroyed within the nineteenth century throughout the rebellion in opposition to Ottoman rule and right now you’ll be able to see solely its ruins. Nonetheless, each mosques are attention-grabbing locations to see when exploring Berat.
Discover the Holy Trinity Church
The Holy Trinity Church is a bit hidden within the Berat fortress however that makes discovering it like an accomplishment.
Situated behind interior partitions, the church is in a surprisingly good situation, contemplating it dates again to the primary half of the 14th century. It was constructed within the form of a cross, with a dome above, and is an ideal instance of the Byzantine structure of the area.
If you’re fortunate, you’ll be able to go to the church inside the place yow will discover 14th-century frescoes of nice historic worth.
Take an image with a giant head
This is among the most random issues to do in Berat actually. When exploring the fortress space you would possibly abruptly end up eye to eye with the sculpture of a giant head, standing subsequent to the wall on the aspect of the small inexperienced house. There is no such thing as a details about it, no background so at first, you is likely to be confused when seeing the enormous.
That is in actual fact Constantine the Nice, the Roman emperor from the early 4th century (born within the space of Nis, Serbia) who, amongst different issues, was identified for making Sunday a day of relaxation. But one more reason to take an image of this vital historic determine.
Go to Ethnographic Museum
If you want to be taught extra concerning the historical past of Berat, native tradition, and customs, there isn’t any higher place than the Ethnographic Museum.
It’s situated in a historic home from the 18th century and the gorgeous constructing itself is a superb motive to go to the museum. However the exhibition isn’t dangerous both. You may see the normal garments and instruments in addition to the inside of the standard home from the area.
The yard in entrance of the museum affords lovely views of the Mangalem neighborhood.
Wander round Mangalem space
While you hear that Berat is a metropolis of a thousand home windows it truly refers back to the Mangalem neighborhood.
Situated close to the River Osum, homes are constructed on the sharp slope of the fortress hill, wanting like they’re glued on prime of one another. Many of the buildings are within the conventional model, painted white and with massive home windows and brown rooftops.
Whereas this is among the most distinctive views of Berat, that yow will discover on quite a few postcards and photos, it’s price going for a stroll across the Mangalem space too. Get misplaced within the winding lanes, wander on the centuries-old stones, and benefit from the really feel of historical past round.
Mangalem is taken into account to be a Muslim quarter in Berat and also you absolutely can discover some mosques round throughout your stroll.
Watch the world round at Republic Boulevard
The most effective issues to do in Berat is people-watching at Republic Boulevard. The pedestrian road proper within the heart of town is the favourite place for locals to spend their free time on. Folks wander round, sit within the cafes or play cheese.
This can be a place to see and be seen in Berat and stopping right here for a espresso break is a should. Simply remember to select the outside seating to see every part that’s occurring round you. After which be part of the crowds and set for a stroll down the pedestrian road too.
Go throughout the river to Gorica quarter
Whereas many of the vacationers go to the trendy bridge connecting Mangalem and Gorica districts (among the best photograph places in Berat), just a few of them wander additional into the quarter. Big mistake, as Gorica is one other attention-grabbing a part of Berat the place you’ll be able to expertise the true vibe of town.
That is the Catholic quarter of Berat and certainly yow will discover a number of church buildings round (though all of them had been closed once I visited the place). However identical to in Berat fortress and Mangalem, the most effective factor to do right here is to only wander round and get a really feel of the place.
Stroll throughout Gorica Bridge
A brief stroll from the middle yow will discover a gorgeous Gorica bridge over the River Osum. It is among the most well-known Berat landmarks, locals even contemplate it a logo of town.
Initially this was a wood bridge however throughout the Ottoman rule, within the second half of the 18th century, a brand new stone bridge was constructed. It’s round 130 meters lengthy, and strolling is a should while you go to Berat.
The bridge along with the Gorica quarter within the background is among the most picturesque spots in Berat.
Admire lovely views of Berat
Berat is among the most lovely locations to go to in Albania and resulting from its picturesque location, you’ll be able to remember to discover some gorgeous vistas of town.
The obvious place is Berat fortress from the place you will get a surprising panorama of Berat and past in several instructions. The perfect views of the well-known “thousand home windows” will be seen from the New Bridge or from Republic Boulevard. You too can hike Gorica Hill throughout the River Osum and admire a gorgeous panorama of Berat fortress and the Mangalem district from there.
Regardless of which locations you select (or possibly all of them), you’ll be able to count on some lovely and picture-worth views.
Get pleasure from native delicacies
The most effective issues to do in Berat is attempt native meals. Albanian delicacies is de facto scrumptious, with a number of nice vegetarian choices (one thing I’m more than pleased about) and you’ll attempt it when visiting Berat. A number of the native dishes it’s best to attempt to embrace Tava e Kosit, Speca të mbushura, or Fërgesa, simply to call a number of.
You can see the most effective, highly-rated eating places within the historic heart of town. A few of them are Home made Meals Lili, Zgara Zaloshnja, Eni Conventional Meals, or Conventional meals and Grill.
Go for day journeys
Whereas many of the vacationers go to Berat on a day journey, you’ll be able to keep right here a bit longer, not solely to benefit from the metropolis to the fullest but additionally to make use of it as a base to discover the encircling space. There are a number of attention-grabbing locations not removed from town that you would be able to see too when visiting Berat.
The most well-liked are Osumi Canyon and Bogove Waterfall. You too can go to one of many native wineries which can be situated round Berat. Since public transport isn’t actually accessible, the most suitable choice is to go on a tour.
Listed below are the beneficial excursions:
Additional studying
I revealed many articles about Albania that you just would possibly discover helpful when planning your journey there. Listed below are a few of them:
If you’re in search of articles a couple of particular vacation spot – try the map with all of the articles I’ve revealed (and their places).
For the top I left a number of bulletins which may curiosity you:
- Sign up to my newsletter or follow me on Bloglovin to get updates concerning the new posts
- Be part of my Fb group about Jap Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and join with fellow travellers and fanatics of those areas – just click here!
- I’ve included a number of helpful hyperlinks of companies and merchandise I personally like and use so you’ll be able to plan your personal journey to Albania too. They’re usually affiliate hyperlinks. This implies I’ll get a small fee in the event you e book/buy something by my hyperlinks, at no additional prices for you. Thanks!
LIKED IT? PIN THIS POST FOR LATER!
For those who loved that put up why do not you share it with your pals? That will imply a lot to me! Additionally remember to be part of 27.000+ fellow vacationers and observe me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for journey updates and much more photos! For those who do not wish to miss new posts signal as much as my newsletter or follow on Bloglovin!
