The Holy Trinity Church

Within a busy castle town, the picturesque Holy Trinity Church stands proudly upon a grassy hill. It’s one of the many churches in the old town of Berat, as well as its most renowned.

The Byzantine church, built sometime during the 13th and 14th centuries, truly reflects the architecture of its era. There’s said to be an inscription containing the governor of the province of Berat’s name inside. His rule lasted from 1302 to 1326, which backs up the church’s origins.

However, don’t expect to get a look inside. Like most of Berat’s churches, the doors remain locked most of the time. If you do find one of the caretakers with a key, please let me know!

The Holy Trinity Church also happens to be one of the more well-preserved churches in the Mangalem quarter of Berat. This is a big feat in Albania, because of the country’s turbulent past. Most of the churches and mosques were destroyed during the Ottoman Empire and Cold War times.

Holy Trinity Church
Holy Trinity Church

The stunning views from the Holy Trinity Church.

Despite this, the beautiful building is a must visit. It’s situated right below the Berat Castle’s main fortress and looks out onto olive orchards and the impressive Osumi River. Mount Shpirag is off in the distance and modern structures dot the ground below. The view is a fresh alternative to “the city of a thousand windows” old quarters.

SOME IMPORTANT DETAILS ABOUT THE HOLY TRINITY CHURCH

The Holy Trinity Church is within the walls of Berat Castle. The entrance to the castle is 300 Albanian Lek and is up a very steep hill. While it isn’t a long walk, it’s a bit of an exercise. Don’t worry, if you aren’t feeling up for a little hike, you can always grab a taxi. If you’re renting a car, you can also drive up.

Fun Fact: The church is one of the reasons Berat’s historic center was designated a UNESCO world heritage site.

Once inside the castle, the church is just a short walk up some zigzagging steps. Don’t be afraid to check out the rest of the village, there is plenty of stuff to do!

When was the last time I visited?

2021

Hey There!

I’m Dominic aka Sandal Tan Man. I’ve been wandering the globe the past decade (mostly in sandals) in search of the world’s hidden gems. Here is where I share my travel stories, tips, and favorite places.

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