This 2,413 years-old city, the pride of Albanian architecture which is under the protection of UNESCO, is located 120 km from Tirana. The city forms a wonderful combination of eastern and western cultures, costumes, traditions and outlook. Berat is a treasure-trove of Albanian history, culture and a testament to the country’s tradition of religious harmony.
The city’s life began in the 6th-5th century B.C. as an Illyrian settlement. Later, in the 3rd century B.C., it was turned into a castle city known as Antipatrea. The castle expanded afterwards, particularly during the feudal dominion of the Muzakaj family.
Inside the castle, they built churches with valuable frescos and icons, and also a calligraphy school. Uniquely today, residents still live inside of the castle walls.
The three major neighborhoods of the old city are Mangalemi, Gorica, and Kala, where the castle itself is located.
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