Berat

From Wikitravel

A view of Berat

Berat is a city in Albania. In 2008 it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it is a rare example of a well-preserved Ottoman town. It is one of the country's most beautiful towns, and is known as the "town of a thousand windows".

[edit] Get in

Take a furgon from Tirana to Berat (cost: 500 lek), or from other towns make a connection via Fier (200-250 lek). Buses also run from Tirana to Berat (cost: 400 lek).

[edit] Get around

The town is small enough to be toured by foot. Taking a walk on the footpaths of the old town is a must!

[edit][add listing] See

• The Kala, a castle mostly built in the 13th Century, but with origins going back to the 4th Century BC. A very beautiful place with great views of the surrounding area. Getting to the Kala requires a steep walk up a cobbled path - take care, the stones are worn and slippery. The citadel is still inhabited, with many churches, and there are a couple of bars and shops in the Kala area.
• Onufri Iconography Museum located within the Kala at the site of a church, features the vivid iconography works of the famous 16th century painter Onufri and others. The museum hold other artifacts gathered form nearby churches and others around Albania. Closed Mondays.[1]
• Berat Ethnographic Museum located in the grounds of a traditional house, on the way up to the castle. It features traditional local furniture and house utensils.[2]
• Below the Kala are two other old town areas - Mangalem north of the river (a traditionally Muslim area), and Gorica south of the river (a traditionally Christian area).
• Numerous Byzantine Churches, dating from the 13th Century
• Several Mosques from the Ottoman era (starting from 1417)
• Nearby Tomorri Mountain can be reached with 4x4 vehicles as part of tours organized by Outdoor Albania. At mountain peak is located a Bektashi Temple.

[edit][add listing] Do

• Take a walk on the peculiar Footpaths of The Old Town featuring exterior flower and plant decorations, tight paths and unique local hospitality.
• Osumi River. One of the most beautiful rivers in Albania passing through canyons as high as 100 meters. Outdoor Albania offers a 3 hour rafting experience inside the canyons.[3]
• Visit the Edward Lear Art Gallery[4] and the private studios of local artisans
• Horse riding at Gorica Hill[5]
• Take a walk along the main Promenade at sunset where locals prefer hanging out for some fresh air

[edit][add listing] Buy

• Traditional souvenirs include stone carving, wood cheeping, and textile products.

[edit][add listing] Eat

There is a traditional restaurant just inside the Kala area that does very good food - I paid 800 leke which is more than I normally pay but it was a meal like I hadn't had for weeks, with vegetables too.

• Guva Mangalem[6]
• Cobo Winery features locally made wine and a winery tour.[7]
• Try the delicious figs and olives of the area.
• Ajka Restaurant, (Across the Osum River). Delicious food with an excellent view.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

• Try traditional Raki made from walnuts (Raki me arra), and peculiar juice made from roses

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Accommodation is mainly in the form of private accommodation as many traditional house owners have turned their localities into B&B. Hotels are also available.

• Berat Backpackers, 295, Gorica, Berat, Albania, ☎ (+355) 693064429, [8]. Berat's hostel. Prices from 1350LEK  edit
• Hotel Mangalemi, Mangalem District, ☎ (+355) 32 232 093, [9].  edit
• Hotel Nasho Vruho, Rr. Llambi Guxhumani, Mangalem District, ☎ (+355) 32 232 355, [10].  edit
• Lorenc Guesthouse & Hostel (Hostel, private), Stiljano Bandilli Road, Porta 18 (cross the old bridge of Gorica, there is the square Alfred Gimitiku and you will see the Road.), ☎ 00355696337254. Nice private guesthouse in an old quarter of Gorica. It's run by Lorenc and his Mother. feels like home. 12 Euro.  edit

[edit] Contact

[edit] Get out

There are buses to major towns in Albania from Berat - Tirane, Gyrocaster, Sarande amongst many others (needs update). Check the board in the bus station for destinations and departure times. You can also take a bus to Athens, Greece.

Sarande (via Gyrocaster), departs 8.00am and 2.00pm daily, 6 hours (1000 lek).