"2400 years old town" Top 5 Page for this destination Berat by njonjo

Berat Travel Guide: 111 reviews and 428 photos

wandering around in Mangalem quarter, Berat

called also '1000 window's city'

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.

Pros and Cons

Pros:unique architecture, lots of sights,history
Cons:last bus leaves at 15.00
In a nutshell:most interesting city in Albania

Last visit to Berat: Jan 2005
Intro Updated Mar 28, 2005
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Reviews (12)

last bus at 15.00 Transportation (1)

You can use bus or minibus to reach Berat from Tirana. The trip lasts approx. 3 hours with bus as it stops everywhere to... more travel advice

souvenirs Shopping (1)

There are some souvenirshops in Mangalem quarter. I saw some beautiful wood workings representing old quarters of Berat... more travel advice

view on Osum from the flag tower - Berat

flag tower Things to Do (8)

The flag tower is the point of the castle from where you can have the best view of Berat and surroundings. When we were... more travel advice

suggestion Restaurants (1)

As I said, I didn't have time for lunch as the last bus to Tirana was leaving at 15.00, but in the picture you can see a... more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (1)
hiking in Tomorr

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Comments (7)

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planxty May 30, 2009 at 9:24 AM

Hi Edvin, excellent Berat page. Perhaps I will be lucky enough to visit some day. fergy.
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Anilda Jun 25, 2008 at 1:39 PM

Yes it is still a sacred place! My father was named after Mount Tomor!
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grets Jun 29, 2007 at 11:21 AM

You excellent page on Berat brough back memories of a very interesting visit five years ago. Maybe one day I will go back........?
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GandalfOnTour Sep 11, 2006 at 7:30 AM

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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JLBG May 2, 2005 at 2:04 AM

A very interesting page. It seems that I have missed a lot of places when I visited Berat ! I have to pay another visit !
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jckim Mar 27, 2005 at 7:02 AM

Berat are my interesting place too!!. I will trip to the Albania this year maybe! it's only last bus 15:00? -,.-.... Good tips and pics, Cheers!
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Aurorae Feb 11, 2005 at 5:55 AM

Great page about a very interesting and beautiful place! I'd love to explore more and visit myself!!!