Berat (map) is the ninth most populous city of the Republic of Albania. In 2008 it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it is a rare example of a well-preserved Ottoman city. It is one of the country’s most beautiful cities, and is known as the “city of a thousand windows”.

Like many cities in Albania, Berat comprises an old fortified city filled with churches and mosques painted with grandiose wealth of visible murals and frescos. Berat is one of the main cultural centres of the country.

⇒ Also сheck оut мore info: About Albania.

The coexistence of religious and cultural communities over several centuries, beginning in the 4th century BC into the 18th century is apparent in Berat. The town also bears testimony to the architectural excellence of traditional Balkan housing construction, which date to the late 18th and the 19th centuries.

*Berat Castle (map). It dates mainly from the 13th century and contains many Byzantine churches in the area and Ottoman mosques.

The Church of St. Mary of Blachernae (map) dating from the 13th century, has 16th century mural paintings by Nikollë Onufri, son of the most important post-medieval Albanian painter, *Onufri.

The most interesting is the cathedral of St. Nicholas (map), which has been well restored and is now a museum dedicated to Onufri. Onufri was the greatest of the 16th century painters in Albania. Not only was he a master of the techniques of fresco and icons, but he was the first to introduce a new colour in painting, shiny red, which the French called “Onufri’s Red”. In addition, Onufri introduced a certain realism and a degree of individuality in facial expression.

The old centre of town is small enough to be toured by foot with a significant climb up to the Kala area. Taking a walk on the footpaths of the old town is a must!

⇒ Also сheck оut мore info: Transport (albania.al) 

BUS: Berat Bus Station. Buses and furgons (minibuses) are generally the best method for travelling within Albania. gjirafa.com A good website to find the latest bus times (and prices).

TRAIN: Albanian Railways: The official website of Albanian Railways provides information on train schedules, routes, and ticket prices.

AIRPORT: Tirana’s “Mother Teresa” International Airport is 15 minutes’ drive from the city.

Let the Albania series begin! 🇦🇱 Welcome to my first Albania 2023 travel vlog! I’m backpacking Albania for 2 weeks and starting my 2 week solo backpacking trip by spending 3 days in Berat, the city of a thousand windows. In this vlog, I will be exploring Berat for 3 days and show you what it’s like traveling Albania during off season.

I’m going to be sharing how expensive is traveling to Albania and whether Berat is worth visiting. I’m going to be exploring the Berat castle, eating delicious Albanian food, and wine tasting at a winery near Berat.

⇒ video source: Milla Explores /youtube.com/

• City of Berat
• City of Gjirokastër