| Page Views: 2,136 Last Visit to Berat: January, 2005 | 2400 years old town by njonjo - last update: Mar 28, 2005 |
called also '1000 window's city' | wandering around in Mangalem quarter, Berat |
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. |
| Mount Tomorr, from Berat Castle |
|  | 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). |
| byzantine church in the castle |
|  | 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. |
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| Pros: | "unique architecture, lots of sights,history" | | Cons: | "last bus leaves at 15.00" | | In A Nutshell: | "most interesting city in Albania" |
njonjo's Berat Travel Tips
Comments for njonjo about Berat | | | | |
planxty Sat May 30, 2009 17:24 UTC Hi Edvin, excellent Berat page. Perhaps I will be lucky enough to visit some day. fergy. | Anilda Wed Jun 25, 2008 21:39 UTC Yes it is still a sacred place! My father was named after Mount Tomor! | grets Fri Jun 29, 2007 19:21 UTC You excellent page on Berat brough back memories of a very interesting visit five years ago. Maybe one day I will go back........? | GandalfOnTour Mon Sep 11, 2006 15:30 UTC Thanks for the interesting info on a place I haven't been to yet but I now think I will have to add it to my list |
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