Berat, known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” is one of Albania’s most popular cities, including UNESCO sites and 122 cultural treasures. There are many sights to view in Berat, from the Kalaja that overlooks the city to the maze of cobblestone lanes that run through the heart of the city.
Swimming, rafting, and hiking are just a few of the summer activities available in Berat, and many of the city’s other attractions are accessible all year, so there is no shortage of things to do. It is without a doubt an Albanian place that is ideal for a weekend getaway!
Here are the top 5 things to do in Berat, from the famed Gorica Quarter to the King Complex:
Visit The Onufri Iconography Museum
Despite its location within the Kalaja, the Onufri Iconography Museum deserves to be included among Berat’s top ten sites to visit. Onufri’s paintings’ crimson and gold colours will catch your imagination and linger with you long after you’ve left.
The Church of the Dormition of St. Mary houses the Onufri Iconography Museum. It also houses works by Onufri’s son Nikola and David Selenica, Onouphrios Cypriotes, Kostandin Shpataraku, and a number of other artists.
The museum houses 106 icons and 67 liturgical objects, is open until 6 p.m. in the summer and 4 p.m. in the winter, and admission is 200 LEK.
Wander Gorica And See The View From The Bridge
Gorica is a Berat neighbourhood located right across the bridge from my favourite hostel (Berat Backpackers). Although it may not appear to be one of Berat’s must-see sites, this small neighbourhood is old and has cobblestone streets. Take a walk through the old houses and across the bridge to enjoy the view of the ottoman houses for a taste of Berat life. This is a fantastic photo opportunity to capture the village of 1,000 windows!
Visit Bogova Waterfall
If you’re staying in Berat for more than a few days, the options for things to do may appear restricted. Bogova waterfall, one of the best natural attractions around Berat, is roughly a 50-minute drive away. You may either join a tour here or take a bus to Bogova, a nearby settlement, and then walk for 30 minutes to the waterfall. If you arrive by car, you can park in the (kind of) parking lot and walk for around 5-10 minutes to get there. Because the water is chilly all year, it’s a terrific option throughout the hot summer months!
Enjoy the Old Town
Wandering around the historic cobblestone alleyways of Berat and taking in the culture is a must, with old Ottoman houses and a unique charm. Sitting in a neighbourhood cafe and watching the residents go by is one of the best things to do in Berat. In Berat, a decent dosage of people watching is a requirement!
Add Berat to your itinerary list ASAP and visit the amazing city!
