When choosing the perfect holiday destination, it’s easy to select Italy or Croatia and be done with it. But did you know that between these two countries lies a small underrated treasure, which is the country of Albania? And if you choose to visit it, don’t skip the small Albanian town of Berat.
Situated in the deep south of Albania, the city of Berat is known for its unusual historical architecture and exceptional, extraordinary beauty. A UNESCO-protected site, Berat was one of the most famous Albanian cities during the Ottoman era, a large crafting center whose specialty was carving wood. Even today, Berat is the most well-preserved city from this era.
The houses were built in the unique Balkanian uphill, studded style. They date back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and all of them look exactly alike. Two floors, stone-ground exterior, white walls on the second floor, and many, many windows, so the inside can always be as bright as the sun.
In the middle of the city, you can see the Berat Castle, built in the 13th-century. Inside, there’s a small art gallery.
This small town that provides rich history, great food, and super friendly locals should definitely be on your bucket list.