Berat Castle, one of the most powerful symbols of Albanian heritage, stands on a rocky hill overlooking the Osumi River and looks proudly over the ancient city. With roots stretching back to antiquity, this living, still inhabited castle is a living mosaic of history, architecture and culture. It is a witness to the different eras that have left their mark on its foundations, walls and legends. Today, Berat Castle is not just a monument of the past, but a destination that captivates every visitor with its timeless atmosphere and the impressive panorama it offers over the city and its surroundings.
Origin and history – Historical tour of Berat Castle
The Berat Castle has a history that stretches back more than 2500 years. Originally built by the Illyrian Parthine tribes and later known as Antipatrea by the Macedonians in the 4th century BC, it was one of the most important centers of the region. The Romans further fortified it in the 2nd century BC, while during the Byzantine period, especially under Emperor Justinian, the castle was rebuilt and expanded to protect the Osumi Valley from external attacks. In the 13th century, under the rule of the Despotate of Epirus, Michael Komnenos Doukas completely reconstructed it into the form we see today.
During the Middle Ages, the castle became an important cultural and military center, later passing under the rule of the Bulgarians, the Serbs, and then the Ottomans at the end of the 14th century. In the 19th century, it was included in the Pashalik of Berat led by Ali Pasha Tepelena. During World War II, the Castle of Berat maintained its strategic role, where in 1943 fierce battles took place between partisan forces and the Nazi invaders.
This rich and multifaceted journey has made the Castle not only a testament to Albanian history, but also a symbol of national resilience and identity.
Architecture – Walls, church, mosque and quarters inside the castle
The architecture of the Berat Castle is a clear reflection of the multiple history that has permeated this city. Its thick walls, about 1400 meters long and supported by 24 watchtowers, surround an area of approximately 10 hectares. Built in a triangular shape, the castle displays an internal organization similar to a small medieval town, where cobblestone alleys, traditional houses and religious buildings naturally intertwine.
Inside the castle are the remains of over 10 Byzantine churches, among which the most famous are the Church of the Holy Trinity and the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the latter of which today also houses the “Onufri” Museum of Icons, dedicated to the great Albanian iconographer. Equally significant are the Red Mosque (so named because of its red bricks) and the White Mosque, which represent the city’s Islamic heritage during the Ottoman period.
The neighborhood inside the castle remains a residential area even today, with Ottoman-style houses from the 18th–19th centuries that offer an authentic sense of traditional Albanian life. This blend of Byzantine, Ottoman, and medieval architecture, organically preserved within the castle walls, makes this place unique in the Balkans and beyond.
Religious tolerance and UNESCO – Cultural significance
The Berat Fortress is not only a historical monument, but also a symbol of religious coexistence and tolerance. Within its walls, the Orthodox church and the Ottoman mosque stand side by side, testifying to a long period of interfaith harmony. This harmonious combination is one of the main reasons that Berat, together with Gjirokastra, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008, under the name “Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra”.
UNESCO considers the city to be an exceptional example of a well-preserved Ottoman urban center, with buildings that bear witness to the architectural and cultural development from the classical Greco-Roman to the Ottoman periods. Interfaith tolerance is particularly pronounced: while other cities experienced religious conflicts, Berat maintained diversity and coexistence through the centuries, which is also reflected in the spiritual and cultural composition of the fortress.
The inclusion in the UNESCO list has significantly increased tourist interest and brought international support for the preservation of its unique heritage.
Visitors Today – Practice and Tips
The Berat Castle is today one of the most visited destinations in Albania, thanks to its historical value and the extraordinary landscape it offers. It is open to visitors every day from 09:00 to 18:00. The entrance fee is 300 lekë for adults (about €2.5), while groups of over 12 people benefit from a discount of 200 lekë per person. Children under 12 enter for free, and there are also reduced fees for students, pensioners and special categories.
On certain special dates, such as April 18 (International Monuments Day), May 18 (International Museums Day) and September 29 (National Cultural Heritage Day), entry is free for all visitors. The castle can be easily reached on foot from the city’s Historic Center or by local transport by taxi or minibus. There is also a limited parking space for visitors’ vehicles inside the castle.
For a more complete experience, a visit in the afternoon is recommended when the sunlight creates a special atmosphere on the castle’s walls and alleys. It is advisable for visitors to wear comfortable walking shoes on the cobblestone streets, and not to miss the opportunity to follow a local guide or visit the Onufri Museum, a gem inside the monument.
Folk Legends – The Myth of Tomorri, Shpirag and Zani
The Berat Castle carries not only documented history, but also a great wealth of myths and legends that closely connect it with the surrounding nature and the popular imagination. One of the most famous stories is that of two legendary brothers, Tomorri and Shpirag, who fell in love with the same Fairy, a beautiful mythical creature. Their jealousy and rivalry led to a furious clash, where both brothers were killed. Legend has it that the Fairy, saddened, turned into a rocky hill and began to cry incessantly, creating the Osum River from her tears.
The castle was built on this hill, as an eternal monument to the tragic love and fate of the two mountains, which are today known as the Mountain of Tomorri and the Mountain of Shpirag. Through this legend, the castle takes on a mystical spirit that transcends stones and walls, becoming part of the soul and collective memory of Berat.
Facts and Statistics – Curiosities from the Real World
The Berat Castle is one of the most popular and visited monuments in Albania, attracting thousands of tourists every year. In August 2018 alone, over 14,600 visitors were registered, of which more than 9,600 were foreigners. In the same year, the castle and the surrounding cultural heritage sites were visited by around 128,000 people, making Berat one of the most dynamic cultural tourism destinations in the country.
Within the walls of the castle are around 128 cultural monuments, including traditional houses, churches, mosques and other heritage sites. Among the most special elements is the bust of the Roman emperor Constantine the Great, one of the first to adopt Christianity as the state religion. Likewise, the Berat Castle has been immortalized on the 10 lek coin of the Bank of Albania (1996, 2000 and 2013), serving as a symbol of national heritage.e.
Another curiosity is that this castle is still inhabited, a rare phenomenon in the region. Its inhabitants preserve their traditional lifestyle, turning a visit into a vibrant cultural and authentic experience.
The Berat Castle is more than a stone structure, it is a living history, an open-air museum and a rare testament to Albanian heritage. From its ancient walls to the alleys that still carry the scent of traditional life, every step inside the castle is a journey back in time. This castle not only offers the most beautiful panorama over Berat and the Osumi River, but also a spiritual experience that speaks to both the heart and the mind.
If you are planning a trip to Albania, don’t leave this historical treasure out of your itinerary. Visit Berat Castle to experience history, touch stones that have seen thousands of years, and feel the spirit of a civilization that continues to live among us.
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