Gjirokastër and Berat – Towns of History

Gjirokastër and Berat are two UNESCO World Heritage-listed Albanian cities, often referred to as “open-air museums.” With their cobblestone streets, stone houses, and imposing castles, these cities embody Albania’s rich Ottoman heritage. Berat, nicknamed “the city of a thousand windows,” is distinguished by its terraced white houses that seem to cling to the mountainside. Berat Castle, perched on a hill, is home to Byzantine churches, mosques, and museums chronicling the country’s history. The city’s unique architecture and timeless atmosphere offer a deep immersion into the past. Gjirokastër, on the other hand, is a stone city with traditional tower houses called “kullas.” Dominated by a huge castle, it has long been a center of power and culture. Its Ottoman houses with slate roofs, its steep alleys and its preserved bazaar offer visitors a journey through time. These two cities, symbols of Albanian history, fascinate with their beauty and their stories anchored in the stones.