Berat is a very special city. Its age, culture, and folk traditions make it one of the most interesting towns in the Mediterranean area.

The city’s history began with the creation of a fortified acropolis in the VI Century B.C. However, there are traces of human settlement dating back 4000.

Contrary to the other cities in Albania, Berat was the only one that managed to preserve the qualities of civilization throughout all of its history. The soaring castle of Berat commanded the road to the port of Vlora and the city of Korça and dominated also may lesser passes. The city was militarily strategic and it held the key to the exploitation of the rich natural surroundings.

Berat has a rich and varied heritage. The most distinguished of the tangible heritage are the castle of Berat, the old churches and mosques, the vernacular houses, the picturesque natural setting, iconography and ethnography. All combined give to Berat a unique physiognomy and identity. In 1961 the government of Albania awarded to Berat the status of a museum city and in 2008 Berat was inscribed in the UNESCO list as a world heritage city.

Berat breathes out a strong sense of the past as its heritage is still put into use: