Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastër, UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Berat and Gjirokastër, Albania
Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastër are two ancient fortified cities built on steep hillsides with densely packed houses featuring stone facades, tile roofs, and characteristic large windows. The steep gasses form networks of stairs and passages that wind through neighborhoods, with castles perched on the highest hilltops overlooking the settlements below.
Both cities originated in the 13th century and grew under Byzantine and later Ottoman rule, with each period leaving architectural traces in the streets and buildings. They remained important trade centers for centuries until the 19th century, when Gjirokastër became a major military stronghold while Berat continued as a religious and commercial hub.
Local artisans continue metalworking and textile production in workshops within both cities, maintaining methods that date back several generations.
Exploring requires comfortable walking shoes because of the many stairs and steep slopes, especially when visiting the castles and reaching upper neighborhoods. Both cities have limited parking near the centers, so it is best to arrive early or use public transportation.
Houses in both cities feature unusually large front windows covered with decorative wooden grilles that give the buildings a distinctive look. This architectural feature developed for practical reasons to bring light into deep interior spaces while maintaining privacy, but became a visual signature of the places.
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