During the tour you will visit the most important parts of the city of Berat which indicate how the city of Berat was established and evolved all the while learning about its unique history and civilization.
The tour starts in the center of the city, known as the religious harmony square. It symbolizes the essence of tolerance which is the reason why Berat nowadays is the oldest still existing city in Albania.
Next you will walk through the market area which was once the old Bazaar of the city. The area is now being rehabilitated to become a vibrant shopping center.
The next stop is in the old medieval center of Berat. The center consists of the King Mosque (XV century), the Helveti Tekke (XVIII century) and the old caranvasary. An inside visit will reveal us the spiritual aspects of Islam and Sufi sect as shown by the old architecture and visual art.
There will be a brief stop near the Sarays of the Pasha to learn about social and political order during the ottoman rule as shown by the newly rehabilitated square with the harem of the pashas still remaining.
A half an hour uphill walk through the historic center will take us to the castle of Berat where the first city of Berat was established. The castle is rich of history and condensed with social and religious monuments.
The fortifications of the castle provide breathtaking panoramas overlooking both the urban and the rural areas of the city of Berat. The walls surround the castle which is still inhabited today by 500 inhabitants in 130 houses. A walk through the narrow streets of the castle will enfold us in the historic context of the city.
You will walk past medieval, byzantine churches and ottoman mosques, such as the Church of Saint Mary Blacherna, The church of Holy Trinity, the Red Mosque etc.
Near the monastery of Saint George, you will learn about the most important historic document in Albania today. How this document was preserved in this monastery for more than a thousand years.
Next a stop near the panoramic point will reveal almost the whole extent of the city. Besides the impressive panorama, you will learn about many of the stories that marked the history of the city and the context they took place.
A walk through lush vegetation along the outside walls will take us to the area where the new and the old cities meet. Walking over the Gorica Bridge you will hear about the old river completion taking place on January 6.
Next, walking through the new Gorica Bulevard, we will learn about the other two old UNESCO Quarters of Berat, stopping at places to take the best pictures.
Finally a walk through the modern boulevard, will enable you to be in the area which is most visited by locals, experiencing their daily leisurely activities.
