Explore Berat Castle in Albania in 2024
Located in the city of Berat, Berat Castle is situated on a rocky hill on the left bank of the Osum River. It was built in the 13th century and is one of the best-preserved castles in the country.
The castle features Ottoman-style buildings, fortresses, and surrounding walls. It’s historical significance has also earned it the title of an
UNESCO-listed site. So, if you love a bit of history and culture,
it’s a must-visit for you due to its unparalleled views of the city, historical significance, and many cultural values.
Where is Berat Castle located?
Berat Castle is located in the city of Berat, perched atop a hill, dating back to the 4th century BC, and it has been continuously inhabited since then.
The best time to visit the castle of Berat would be during the summer months when the weather is mild and comfortable.
During this time, you can take in the stunning views of the nearby river and city from the castle’s walls.
The castle is also known for its fascinating history, which includes the influence of the Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans.
How To Get to Berat Castle
Now that you know the basics, let’s see how you can get to the castle!
#1. Walk from Berat
The walk from the city to the castle of Berat is a pretty steep climb. Don’t worry, though—it’s a straightforward road, and if you’re fit and ready for a little activity, it won’t be a problem.
The walk may take you about 15–20 minutes, starting from Antipatrea Street through the city, going to Mihal Komnena Street, which is just 1 km away from the castle. Halfway down the road, you’ll have the chance to take a shortcut to the castle through a small entrance to the city walls, although it won’t save you that much time.
The Berat castle entrance fee is
around 2.5 euros, and the sight is accessible from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
#2. Drive from Berat
If you’re not feeling up for a walk, you can drive from Berat city to the main gate of the castle. The driving route is the same as the walking route and will barely take you five minutes to get to your destination.
There is a small free parking lot near the castle, but keep in mind that it fills up pretty quickly.
#3. Take the bus to Berat Castle
No worries if you don’t have a car—you can also take a bus from the bus terminal in the city of Berat straight to the entrance of the castle. The bus ticket costs around 1.5 euros, and the driver will take you to the very entrance.
Where to Stay While Visiting Berat Castle
Berat offers a number of accommodation opportunities, so you can have a comfortable and pleasant stay while you’re visiting. Here are some ideas for guesthouses and hotels in Berat that may catch your eye:
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#1. Tradita e BeratitList Item 1
Go back in time while enjoying the beautiful and cozy environment this hotel has to offer! The amazing views of the city and river from the terrace are sure to leave you speechless.
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#2. Vila TwixList Item 2
Perfectly located in the main square, this villa offers a direct view of the castle, as well as the whole town. Here you can enjoy amazing traditional meals and an atmosphere that will make this a visit to remember.
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#3. Guest House PashollariList Item 3
For a more family-friendly option, you can spend your days in a guesthouse owned by a local family. There you’ll find everything you need for a memorable visit, including the marvelous nature that surrounds the accommodation.
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#4. Guesthouse EmiljanoList Item 4
This accommodation option is the closest to the castle, offering beautiful views from the balconies. The nature around the house is beaming with lively trees and flowers, and you can enjoy amazing home-cooked meals and a very comfortable stay at very reasonable prices.
What to Eat and Drink While Visiting Berat Castle
Albania is known for the delicious food that leaves tourists always wanting more, and Berat is no exception. Explore and taste these amazing dishes and beverages in the many restaurants in Berat during your visit, and we guarantee the taste will be on your mind for a long time!
Here are some ideas:
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#1. PispiliList Item 1
Pispili is a traditional dish made with spinach, cornflour, and yogurt. Some even like to add mint for flavor and sprinkle it with white cheese in the end. It’s prepared all over Albania, but Berat’s version is special. You’ll just have to come and taste it yourself!
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#2. Berat Sour MilkList Item 2
This is a traditional (and kind of weird) beverage that locals like in Berat. It’s made by boiling milk and adding lemon juice, salt, and sugar to it.
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#3. Tave KosiList Item 3
Tave kosi consists of baked lamb meat with yogurt and rice. It’s one of the most popular dishes in Albania, so you simply cannot visit a cultural and traditional city like Berat and not taste it!
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#4. BozaList Item 4
Boza is a fermented drink made from wheat, millet, or corn. It’s usually served cold and is rather popular, especially during the summer months.
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#5. Qebapa
Qebapa is made of grilled minced meat, and it’s often served with onions and accompanied with beer (which gives the entire meal a striking taste!). It’s one of the most popular dishes for celebrations and parties, and it will improve your mood once you try it!
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#6. Raki
Of course, we can’t forget to recommend raki, one of the most popular beverages in Albania! It’s a clear alcoholic drink made from grape juice, often served as an aperitif before meals.
Here are some well-known Berat restaurants where you can try the above-mentioned dishes and many more!
What To Do at Berat Castle
To make sure you never get bored and make the most of your trip, we prepared a few ideas to help you come up with some
interesting things to do in the Berat Castle.
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#1. Enjoy the view from many viewpointsList Item 1
Located in a pretty high position over the city, the castle offers breathtaking views from every viewpoint you can go to. You can go around the perimeter of the castle and enjoy the different beautiful landscapes laid out in front of you, including the countless rooftops and picturesque green mountains.
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#2. Explore the main fortress and perimeter wallsList Item 2
Take the time to explore the main fortress and the walls of the castle to fully grasp its significance. Along the way, you’ll find different interesting paths and ruins, which will make your exploration worth your while. You should follow the whole perimeter to be guided to the outskirts of the fortress.
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#3. Look into the mysterious Water CisternList Item 3
You may get startled when you first take a look at this sight, as there is a dark room with water settling at the bottom inside the castle. It doesn’t stand out from the rest and blends right in, but it adds an interesting mystique to the place.
However, you should be careful about the stairs leading to the room, which go up to 10 feet high and can be dangerous.
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#4. Admire the beauty of the Holy Trinity ChurchList Item 4
The Holy Trinity Church is a pure reflection of the architecture of the Byzantine era. This must-visit is situated right below the castle’s main fortress and is one of the most preserved churches in Albania to this day.
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#5. Learn about the Red Mosque
Although most of the architecture of Berat Castle illustrates Byzantine influence, the ruins of the Red Mosque serve as a reminder that the Ottoman culture has had a big impact in this region as well.
According to the records, the Red Mosque is said to be one of the oldest in Albania, dating back to the 15th century. It has an interesting structure, with the minaret shooting up in the sky, and the light red worn-out bricks give it the name it is known for.
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#6. Buy a souvenir
Last but definitely not least, every trip deserves a souvenir, especially in Albania, where you have countless options to choose from. You can choose between small flag charms, photos, magnets, bracelets, wood carvings, and many more to serve as a beautiful reminder of an unforgettable trip.
Travel With Kalemi to Berat
#1. Visit 3 UNESCO sites in Albania
If you want to get the most out of your visit to Albania, you can go on the Kalemi Tour of the 3 UNESCO sites of Albania, where you’ll have the chance to visit Gjirokaster, Butrint, and Berat.
Visit the medieval bazaar in Gjirokaster, the amazing
Blue Eye in Butrint, and the beautiful coastline of the
Albanian Riviera. Finally, you’ll get the chance to explore the historically significant castle of Berat and its ruins.
#2. From Tirana: Berat Day Tour
This tour is only dedicated to Berat, starting with the meeting in Tirana and then starting the trip to the town of Berat. You’ll get to explore the Onufri Museum and the mysterious works of the famous painter, as well as the castle of Berat, one of the biggest inhabited castles. The last stop is the old part of the town of Berat, which has also won the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
#3. From Tirana: Berat & Apollonia
Next is the Onufri Museum and Berat Castle, one of the most stunning sights of the city, sure to leave you wanting to visit for a second time.
Don’t Forget!
- Berat Castle is located on top of a hill in the city of Berat
- To get to the castle, you can either walk there from the city center of Berat, drive, or take a local bus.
- While in Berat, you can choose from a variety of accommodation options, such as Tradita e Beratit, Vila Twix, etc.
- One of the most important parts of the trip is the food, so you can do your taste buds a favor and try some of the local dishes and beverages, such as tave kosi, pispili, raki, and many more.
- There are many things you can do to spend your time while visiting the castle, like enjoying the marvelous view, exploring the main fortress, admiring the beauty of the Holy Trinity Church, and similar.
Berat Castle FAQ
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