BERAT
The City of a Thousand Windows
Qyteti i një mijë dritareve
BERAT
The City of a Thousand Windows
Qyteti i një mijë dritareve
Overview
Overview of Berat
Overview
The town of Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Museum. Most of its architecture dates from the Ottoman Era. The first settlement begun in 3rd century BC when the Illyrians built a fortress called ‘Antipatrea’. Throughout the centuries the fortress continued to be redeveloped by various kingdoms and empires until the Ottomans took control in 1450, giving Berat its final appearance. The main attractions of the town comprise of its Ottoman houses and its historical fortress. The Ottoman houses are clustered together, which ascend up to the fortress, giving its nickname ‘the city of a thousand windows’. The fortress, which is also a neighbourhood, contains preserved churches from the 13th century, and a viewpoint to see the town and its rugged mountain scenery. A daytrip that is worth visiting is Osum Canyon, which is the largest canyon in Albania. In fact, the locals call it the ‘Grand Canyon’ of Albania.
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Sights & Trips
The main attraction of the town is the Kalasa, and the neighborhood inside the fortress walls. The settlement was traditionally a Christian neighborhood with over 20 churches that occupied inside its walls. Now, less than 12 churches remain. Some of the churches that are still standing were built from the 13th century. The most picturesque church, is the ‘Church of the Holy Trinity’. The highest point inside the fortress is the Tolkienesque water reservoir. From this view point, you can see stunning views of the town and the spectacular rugged mountain scenery.
The Osum Canyon is the largest canyon in Albania. In fact, it has been labeled as the ‘Grand Canyon’ of Albania. The region contains large rocks, various birds and trees, and old bridges. It’s a must see destination, as the river gorge is one of the most spectacular natural attractions in the country.
The most prominent feature of the town, is the cluster of white Ottoman houses that ascend up the hill to the castle. This is why it gets the nickname, ‘the city of a thousand windows’.
The main attraction of the town is the Kalasa, and the neighborhood inside the fortress walls. The settlement was traditionally a Christian neighborhood with over 20 churches that occupied inside its walls. Now, less than 12 churches remain. Some of the churches that are still standing were built from the 13th century. The most picturesque church, is the ‘Church of the Holy Trinity’. The highest point inside the fortress is the Tolkienesque water reservoir. From this view point, you can see stunning views of the town and the spectacular rugged mountain scenery.
The Osum Canyon is the largest canyon in Albania. In fact, it has been labeled as the ‘Grand Canyon’ of Albania. The region contains large rocks, various birds and trees, and old bridges. It’s a must see destination, as the river gorge is one of the most spectacular natural attractions in the country.
The most prominent feature of the town, is the cluster of white Ottoman houses that ascend up the hill to the castle. This is why it gets the nickname, ‘the city of a thousand windows’.