BERAT, FULL DAY TRIP FROM TIRANA
Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known as the “Museum City of Albania”. Berat lies on the sides on the Osum River with a backdrop of Mount Tomorr. Additionally a 2,500 year old castle overlooks the city with numerous, high architectural and historical stone neighborhoods below. The beginnings of Berat or “White City”, occurred around the 6th century BCE. Over the ages Berat has been invaded and controlled by ancient Greeks, the Byzantine Empire, the Roman Empire, Slavs, Bulgarians, and the Ottoman Empire which all have had a cultural influence on it. Particular things of interest in Berat are the visible trades of stone-working, wood-carving, leather-workers, and especially the landmarks. The landmarks are of historic nature: Byzantine churches, Berati Castle which was toppled and burned many times and re-fortified by each conqueror, and the “City of a Thousand Windows” which are neighborhoods Mangalemi and Gorica located on either side of the Osum River.
Tour description
Depart for Berat at 8:30 am and you will be transferred to this beautiful city for around 2 hours. Walk through the historic city of Berat and discover its rich culture and architecture on this illuminating full day tour. After a short introduction from your guide, we will proceed to Berat World Heritage Sites, the ancient quarters of Mangalem and Gorica. Travel back in time as you stroll through the meandering streets, home to the Ottomans in the 15th century and learn more about the architecture of this “town of a thousand windows”.
Visit the iconic Medieval Center, where you will gaze upon the beautiful King Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Albania and the Halveti Tekke monument. Explore the magnificent tombs, as your tour guide enlightens you about Ottoman architecture and history. Discover more about the relationship between Albania’s religious groups. Climb up to the magnificent Castle of Berat. Marvel at the fort and witness the monuments and treasures inside. Finish your tour by exploring Byzantine art and iconography in the Onufri Museum, settled inside the castle walls.
Return to Tirana..
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