Overview:

Berat Castle, or the Castle of Berat, was built in the 13th century and is located in the city of Berat, Albania. The castle is situated on top of a hill overlooking the town below and the Osum River. It was declared a Museum City in 1961 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most important cultural monuments of Albania and has been a major source of cultural heritage for centuries for the Albanians. The castle contains many historical monuments, churches, and mosques. It is a popular tourist destination and serves to preserve the ancient culture of the city. It hosts several annual festivals, including a traditional folk festival, and a carnival. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

1. Over 2000 Years of History: Dating back to the 4th century BC, Berat Castle is one of the oldest fortresses in Albania. It served as the original site of the city of Berat and has withstood a variety of sieges and military occupations over the centuries. 2. Unique Architecture: The castle's distinctive architecture includes distinct Byzantine, Greek, and Albanian styles. Its vantage point also offers some of the most stunning views of the historic city below. 3. Ancient Churches: Berat Castle is home to a number of ancient churches, including the Church of St. Mary, St. Nicholas Church, and the Church of St. Theodore. 4. Islamic and Ottoman Influences: Under Ottoman rule, the castle continued to serve an important defensive role, but also included an Islamic influence in its architecture. 5. Festivals: As a result of its cultural importance, Berat Castle holds a number of festivals throughout the year, from traditional carnivals to music festivals. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

Berat Castle, known locally as the Kala of Berat, is a stronghold located in the city of Berat, Albania. The fortress is situated on a hill on the left bank of the Osum River and overlooks the city. It was built during the 13th century, likely on the site of an earlier Illyrian settlement. During the 14th century, it was the primary residence of the local princes. The presentation of the citadel of Berat as a walled city dates back to the 4th century BC, when the city was part of the Hellenistic kingdom of Epirus. Its walls, though repaired and expanded during the 5th to 7th centuries, still contained most of the Roman walls. During the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I (527–565 AD), the acropolis at the top of the hill became the site of a strong fortress. This was further expanded by successive rulers, up until the 13th century, when the first Albanian noble families took control of the area. The castle of Berat was built by the Progon family in the 13th century. Through the 13th to 15th centuries, it was enlarged and stronghold. During this period, the fortress became a complex social and economic center for its powerful ruling families. It was also home to a noble court, worship sites, dwellings, and defense structures. The Ottoman Empire captured the castle in 1417 and held it until 1912, when it was taken by the Albanian revolutionaries as part of the Albanian Independence movement. During this time, the castle gained a reputation for being impenetrable and became a symbol of Albanian independence and strength. Berat Castle was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Today, it remains one of the most important historical sites in Albania. Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Berat Castle is a fortified citadel located in the city of Berat, Albania. 2. The castle was built in the 13th century by the Romans, making it one of the oldest castles in Albania. 3. Berat Castle has a large central courtyard, surrounded by high walls and several towers. 4. The castle is home to several churches, including the Church of St. Mary of Blachernae, the Church of St. Triada, and the Church of St. Nicholas. 5. The castle is home to a variety of art and artifacts. In particular, the citadel is rich in Byzantine and Ottoman Islamic iconography. 6. The castle was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. 7. The castle is sometimes referred to as the “Town of a Thousand Windows” due to its many windows carved into the walls. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era