Looking out over an ancient city and standing on a rocky hill, the Berat Castle is one of the most impressive castles I’ve ever seen.
It’s located in Berat, a UNESCO town known as the city of a thousand windows. While there is no doubt that you’ll see your fair share of those windows (in charming Ottoman-era white houses no less), it’s hard not to notice the giant castle overlooking them.
The history of the Berat Castle spans over two thousand years and used to hold a large portion of the city’s population. Actually, there are still people living within the castle walls today! It’s hard not to notice, as many of the residents sell souvenirs, jams, rugs, and handmade crafts right outside their doors.
The castle has gone through plenty of rulers, including its first recorded conquerors – the Romans. But most of the current structures were created in the 13th century and later, by the more recent Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.
Just a heads up, there is an entrance fee for the castle. It was 300 Lek (3 USD) when I was last there. You can probably sneak in by hiking around the outer walls to another entrance or confidently walking through the main gate. However, I suggest paying the fee. For the several hours you’ll most likely spend, it’s well worth the price.
Now that I’ve given a basic overview, I should probably get on to the whole reason I’m writing this article…
Here is a list of all the things that make Berat Castle such a special place to visit.
THE GIANT HEAD OF CONSTANTINE THE GREAT
Appearing beneath one of the stony walls, the giant head sculpture of Constantine the Great is hard to miss. Seriously, don’t be surprised when this thing dwarfs you!
It’s about as tall as a basketball hoop and something you’d expect to see in a museum or outside a Las Vegas hotel. I wasn’t anticipating seeing anything like this in Berat castle, which made it all the more spectacular.
THE STUNNING BEAUTY OF HOLY TRINITY CHURCH
Out of all the churches in Berat (and there are a lot), this is the one that will most likely catch your eye.
Perched on a hill with zigzagging steps leading its way, the church looks out to Mount Shpirag and the Osumi River below. It’s from the Byzantine era which only adds to its picturesque qualities. The Holy Trinity Church itself is worthy of the hike up to Berat Castle.
CHECK OUT ALL THE OTHER CHURCHES
While the Holy Trinity Church is the flashiest, the other churches are just as deserving. You’ll notice them around almost every corner of the castle’s winding streets. They each have an interesting history of their own, at least that’s what I was told. If not, then a local man named Vasilij (a sort of unofficial tour guide of the place) had an excellent imagination. Anyways, they are quite beautiful themselves and shouldn’t be overlooked.
If you are bold, you can stick your hands through some of the church windows with your phone and get a picture of the interiors.
THE REMAINS OF THE RED MOSQUE
Most of the architecture within the walls of Berat Castle is from the Byzantine era. However, the remains of the Red Mosque remind you that the Ottoman Empire had a big influence here as well.
Records state that the mosque is probably one of the oldest in all of Albania. Seeing the minaret shoot up in the air is a great way to remember all the history the castle holds.
LOOK INTO THE DARKNESS OF BERAT CASTLE'S WATER CISTERN
I was startled when I peeked through the windows of the water cistern to find a large dark room with water settled at its bottom. It blends into the rest of the castle as if it was just another barrack or stable.
Be careful exploring this area as there is a hole on the top that drops about 20 feet into the cistern. The stairs leading into the room end about 10 feet from the floor as well, making it dangerous, but also adding to the mystique of the place.
THE VIEW FROM THE OBSERVATION DECK
As with most castles, the view from Berat Castle is one of its highlights, and the observation deck is the best place to admire Berat’s scenery. Directly below you is the Mangalem Quarter and the splendid Church of St. Michael.
You can see the famous Gorica Bridge leading to the Gorica Quarter, and the vibrant blue waters of the Osumi River. In fact, almost the whole of Berat can be seen from this very platform.
THE MAIN FORTRESS
You can’t have a castle without a main fortress, and Berat’s happens to have a three hundred sixty degree view of the area’s surroundings. While it’s not in perfect condition, the stairs leading up the main tower are still in great shape.
Only a few steps above the Holy Trinity Church, the main fortress seemed to be a gathering place for all. There was a couple having a picnic, a music video being shot, and people working out when I was there. It’s a wonderful place to come and look down at all the happenings within the castle walls.
Well that about wraps it up. I’m sure there are a few things that I didn’t see. I spent an afternoon wandering around a place people have lived their whole lives.
But in my brief time there, these were the things that stood out the most to me. Next time you are in Albania, check out Berat Castle, maybe you’ll find something else that’s special within its walls!
