The Quarter of Gorica
Visiting the Gorica quarter is undoubtedly one of the best experiences you can have in the “city of a thousand windows”. This Quarter is nestled at the foot of a hill, crowned by the remains of an ancient fortification. In fact, the Osum River separates Gorica from the rest of the city, creating a unique and tranquil atmosphere. Therefore, crossing the river is like entering a world where time seems to have stopped.
Everything you need to know to visit the Gorica neighborhood
Until recently, the historic Gorica Bridge was the only connection between this neighborhood and the rest of the city. Likewise, the famous Ottoman traveler Evliya Çelebi mentioned in the 17th century that this place already housed some 200 houses. However, after the devastating earthquake of 1851, the Gorica Quarter had to be almost completely rebuilt. Consequently, the architecture we see today faithfully reflects the reconstructions of the second half of the 19th century.
Architecture and social classes
The terrain at the upper part is steeper, which has resulted in a compact and dense layout of houses. On the one hand, these homes are usually small to medium in size. On the other hand, the lower row, closer to the river, features much larger and more spacious houses. In addition, many of these houses date back to the 18th century and feature the traditional chardak (wooden balcony). In the past, these large houses belonged to the upper class, while the middle class occupied the upper areas of the hill.
Points of interest when visiting the Gorica neighborhood
If you decide to visit the Gorica neighborhood, you can’t miss these iconic places that define its identity:
- The Gorica Bridge: One of the most photographed monuments in all of Albania.
- The Church of Saint Spyridon: An impressive basilica that stands out among the continuous line of houses.
- The Church of Saint Thomas: A peaceful haven with great historical value.
- The Ruins of Gorica Castle: Located at the top, they offer a different perspective of the city.
In short, visiting the Gorica Quarter will allow you to discover the most authentic side of Berat. This labyrinth of cobbled streets and Ottoman architecture is a treasure that should not be missing from your itinerary.
