Free tour por el castillo de Berat

We will meet in front of the second gate of the castle, near the so-called the courtyard of the castle of Berat. On the walls of the castle we will be able to witness the cultural layers that represent different civilizations that were present in the city of Berat during different periods of time.

A walk through the castle doors will take us to the enormous foundation walls of the castle of Berat which are the most ancient traces of the Illyrian tribes. Shortly we will travel in antiquity in which we will go as far back as we can to explore the origins of the Albanians and the Albanian language.

Inside the castle is the historic quarter of Kala. Walking through the streets of Kala we will learn about the inhabitants, their social, cultural and economic status.

After a short walk we will be in front of the church of Saint Nicolas, the church of Saint Mary Blacherna and the Church of Saint Constantine and Helen, all within a few meters away from one another. They are three of the 22 churches that once existed in the castle of Berat.

Visitors will enter the church of Saint Mary Blacherna, which is thought to have been built as far back as the VI century. It was rebuilt in the XIII century and today features byzantine frescos of the XVI century.

 Next we will visit inside the church of Saint Nicolas located only a few meters away from the church of Saint Mary Blacherna. It houses one of the most ancient architectural elements of the city of Berat, reused as its altar.

A winding ancient road through the castle of Berat will take us to the Acropolis, the highest point in the castle of Berat. There we will be able to see the three perimeters of walls which once protected the castle of Berat. The ruins of the white mosque are nestled in the northern edge of the acropolis while the western part provides the opportunity to see the view of the largest quarter of the city spread out next to the river while the Shpirag Mountain casts its heavy shadow and dominates from above.

Past the doors of the third perimeter stands underground the large byzantine water cistern which hides its long story as the main fountain of survival and hope.

Not far from the Arcopolis is the Red Mosque which still hides the enigma whether it was built before or after the Turkish Invasion of Berat. A few minutes walking and we will be standing next to the former Monastery of Saint George overlooking the southern part of Berat, stretching far into the horizon and ending next to the hills that give rise to the Tomorri Mountain. An impressive view that marks the end of the lowland and the rise of the second highest Mountain in Albania. Visitors will delve into the histories and mysteries of the sacred Mountain of the Albanians.

Going down the monastery visitors will reach the Tabya tower, a panoramic point with the most outstanding view of the city of Berat. Visitors feel as if hanging in the air over the quarter of Gorica and the modern part of the city.

A returning walk through the eastern path of the castle will take us along the eastern edge of the castle, filled with the facades of historic houses and shops.

After 1 hour and 20 minutes the tour will end near the gate of the castle, in the same place where the tour started.