Aug 30th - Tirana to Berat

 Another long trip today (in time not distance!) but this time to Berat, another city renowned for its ancient castle. 

As the UNESCO listed castle is the town’s main attraction our first task was to make our way up the hill to check it out.  Dating back to the 4th century BC it was first occupied by the Greeks who were then followed by the Romans. However, most of what remains today is from the Byzantine and Ottoman era’s.  As it’s the only castle still inhabited in Albania it's more like a village than a fortress and is still home to some beautiful old churches and mosques within its extensive walls.  A number of these churches are decorated with some magnificent wall paintings and icons and are fabulous examples of Byzantine art and architecture.  They’re just fantastic!

Churches ‘adjusted’ to not look like churches 

during the communist regime


There’s also some great views of Berat and the local river and mountains from the castles ramparts. 

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