"2400 years old town" a Berat Travel Page by njonjo

Berat is one of the best cities to visit in Albania. The old (and interesting) part of the town consists of residential quarters of Mangalem and Gorrica, and the citadel, builded on a hill top. The architecture is unique in Albania, and substantial part of old city is well preserved. Osum river runs between Mangalem and Gorrica quarters . The historical still existing buildings date from XII to XVIII century.
I had a great time visiting Berat this January. I walked in the incredibly narrow streets in Mangalem quarter, visited Ethnographic and Onufri museums and the Castle. It's possible to hire a guide for the castle, there are some locals who will offer to guide you. I really enjoyed this guide company and information and payed him 5$ (500Leke) for a complete tour of the castle. Unfortunately, the last bus to Tirana was departing at 15.00, me and my girlfriend got to know this just in the time we were looking for a nice place to have lunch, but had to stop the visit and take the bus. Hope to go there again in spring and hike in Tomorr mountain.

Tomorr mountain, 2416m, is the skyline centerpiece in Berat.
Every August a pilgrimage is organised in Tomorr, as it is kind of holy place for 'bektashi' religion (halvetians).

There are wonderful byzantine churches in the castle, only 8 of 42 have survived. Afrescoes are made by wellknown painters of the time such as Onufri and his son, Nikolla.