A city of
a thousand windows.

INSIDE THE FORTRESS

The living history of Berat Castle

The fortified hill has ancient origins, while major rebuilding shaped the walls during late antiquity and the medieval period. The defenses were strengthened under Emperor Theodosius II in the fifth century, rebuilt during the reign of Emperor Justinian I in the sixth century, and expanded again under Michael I Komnenos Doukas in the thirteenth century.

Unlike many historic fortresses, Berat Castle remains a living neighborhood. Within its walls are stone houses, guesthouses, cafés, churches, mosque ruins, viewpoints and families who continue everyday life inside the citadel.