Visit Berat: Albania’s Timeless City of Windows and Stone

With white Ottoman houses stacked like puzzle pieces and a majestic castle watching over it all, Berat is one of Albania’s most beautiful and historic cities. Located in central Albania and embraced by the Osum River, this UNESCO-listed city is often referred to as “The City of a Thousand Windows.” A visit to Berat feels like stepping into a postcard — where every corner tells a story and every sunset lights up its stone walls in gold.

Fun Facts & Curiosities about Berat

• 🏛 Berat was officially declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, thanks to its rare mix of religious harmony and traditional architecture.
• 👥 The city has a population of around 60,000 people, many of whom still live in historic houses that have been passed down through generations.
• 🪟 The famous “windows” of Berat come from the tightly packed houses of the Mangalem quarter, where upper floors feature large, symmetrical windows that look down the hill like watchful eyes.
• 🕌 Berat is a symbol of religious coexistence — churches and mosques stand side by side, and locals are proud of their peaceful traditions.
• 🎨 The Onufri Iconography Museum, inside the castle, is named after Albania’s most famous icon painter who used real gold and even invented a special pink pigment in the 1500s.
• 🍷 Berat is also known for its wine. The nearby vineyards produce some of Albania’s finest red wines, including the local favorite Puls.

Top Things to Do in Berat

• Climb up to Berat Castle: One of the few castles in Europe still inhabited, Berat Castle is more like a stone village than a fortress. Inside you’ll find cobbled alleys, Orthodox churches, and breathtaking views over the Osum valley.
• Wander through Mangalem & Gorica: These twin historic neighborhoods, separated by the Osum River, are connected by a beautiful 18th-century bridge. Gorica is less touristy, offering a peaceful walk through stone-paved streets.
• Visit the Ethnographic Museum: Housed in a traditional 18th-century home, this museum offers a glimpse into daily life in Berat centuries ago.
• Taste local dishes: Try tavë kosi (baked lamb in yogurt) or gliko (sweet preserved fruits) — both beloved Berat specialties.