Beautiful Places to Visit in Berat County
Berat is a landlocked county in Albania with five municipalities. Places to visit in Berat includes castles, churches, museums, and mosques. Nature exploration, hiking, camping are also among things to do in Berat. The capital city of Berat is among UNESCO World Heritage sites owing to its unique blend of architecture.
The most popular reason to visit Berat is the Citadel of Berat or Berat Castle. This fortress was first built in 300 AD, but was gradually added upon by those who protected it and those who conquered it. So you will a variety of styles and structures in the Castle. You can also shop, drink, and eat here on Berat travel as many of the establishments in the Castle are still operational. This castle used to fall under the Illyrian rule. After the fall of Roman empire, the byzantine rule took over this castle, and the ottoman after them. The castle has seen wars and conquest. You can also see influence of different styles of architecture and structures in the Berat Castle. The city of Berat is known for its byzantine architecture which quite evident in the churches. The 18th center Church of St. Mary is among best places to visit in Berat to witness the Byzantine architecture. The Church is also home to Onufri Museum of Icons. The Church and the Museum are a part of the Berat Castle, so you get two important things to see in Berat in one location. The museum displays the works of iconography artist Onufri Argitis. He is one of the most well-known artist who hailed from the lands of Albania. Hence, the museum is a one of major Berat tourist attractions.
A little away from Berat Castle are the towns of Gorica and Mangalem. These towns are located on either side of Osumi river featuring beautifully stacked houses along the slopes of the valley. Visually it is one of the most picturesque things to see in Berat. But these towns are also culturally one of the most interesting places to visit in Berat. Mangalem is a traditionally muslim town, while Gorica on the other side of the river is a traditionally Christian town. You will see these contradictions yet harmonious existence of cultures and religions when you visit Berat.
If you are on Berat sightseeing trip, you should check out the local churches and mosques as well. There are many old churches built in Albania during the byzantine rule and several mosque built during the ottoman rule. The Lead Mosque and the Red Mosque are two such Berat attractions, which also happen to rhyme when named together. Both of these places to visit in Berat were built under the Ottoman rule. Among other places to visit in Berat associated with Ottoman Empire & Islam are the Halveti Teqe and Rufai Teqe. Both of these teqe are dedicated to important priests in the Sufi tradition.
Another important historical site among Berat sightseeing are the archeological ruins of Dimal. This site used to be a Macedonian strong hold. The site has dated back to 200 B.C. It is one of the places to visit in Berat which is steeped in history. If you have interest in history of the region, the culture and the traditions; you should also include the National Ethnography Museum among Berat sightseeing. The Museum depicts regional history, artefacts, works of local artists, traditional clothings, music, lifestyle items, etc. There are also lounges designed in Ottoman style in the Museum, which are interesting things to see in Berat. You can picture yourself in the Ottoman era, relaxing in these royal lounges.
While exploring the county of Berat you can also visit many local wineries in the towns and villages as well. Wine tasting at Cobo Winery is among popular things to do in Berat for tourists. You can also try the local drink of Raki produced in many places when you visit Berat.
If you are thinking what to see in Berat that can match the views of coastal counties. The answer is the mountains and valleys. Mount Tomorr and Mount Sheirag are great places to visit in Berat for hiking and mountaineering. The mountain tops also present incredible picturesque views. Mount Tomorr is also known as the Throne of Gods, is located in the Tomorr National Park, where you can see many wildlife species of flaura and fauna. Popular sightings include bears and wolves in this natural Berat tourist attractions. Mount Tomorr is also popular things to see in Verat owing to many legends from Greek, Christian, and Albanian stories. Hence, the name Throne of Gods. The canyons of Osum & Devoll rivers are also great for hiking. You will also have great swimming spots along the hike and views are breathtaking. Many people hike for a picnic spot among other things to do in Berat. There are several waterfalls to explore in the canyon as well in the Osum canyon on Berat travel
Cities and Places to visit in Berat County
Berat
Berat is known as the city of 1000 windows. One look at any photograph of the city and you will understand what to see in Berat. You can see the city built across the slope of the mountain. Windows are typical in Ottoman architecture and there are almost too many of them in each building. It is a great city to explore on foot. You can visit most of the things to see in Berat by walking around. Even if some of the buildings are not Berat tourist attractions, they are still pleasant to look at while strolling around in the city. One of the hotspots for walks, restaurants, clubs, and shopping in Berat is the Boulevard Republika. Most of the Berat sightseeing places are located in and around Berat city itself. So you can experience majority of things to do in Berat on your visit to Berat city itself.
Skrapar
Skrapar covers some parts of the Tomorri Mountain National Park. There are several things to see in Berat in Skrapar. This region is great for hiking, trekking, mountain climbing, mountain biking, river rafting, and other adventurous things to do in Berat. Skrapar also has one of the most beautiful waterfalls known as Bogoy waterfall among Berat sightseeing. It is not too far from Berat city, so you can enjoy some adventure and nature exploration in Skrapar when you visit Berat. There are also several historical places to visit in Berat in Skrapar district. These Berat tourist attractions include the Castle of Skrapar, Castle of Prishta, and Historical Museum of Corovode. There are also several churches and mosques you can visit, but those are not considered among important things to see in Berat.
Kuçovë
You can actually skip Kuçovë on Berat travel. There is nothing among interesting things to see in Berat which you find in Kuçovë.
Poliçan
There are not significant things to see in Berat in Poliçan. But, this place is good to shop for local produce, especially wine, olive oil, and Raki. Other than that there is no reason to embark on Berat travel to visit Poliçan.
Ura Vajgurore
Aside from an old Gorica Bridge, there is nothing for Berat sightseeing in Ura Vajgurore. You can skip this one when you visit Berat.
