Private Tour of Berat and Durres from Tirana

Leaving Tirana we will head toward the south of the country to visit one of the most unique and charming cities of Albania. For around two hours we will be driving through the soft and low terrain of one of the most productive agricultural areas of Albania. 

The Castle of Berat and the Castle of Elbasan are the only 2 historical sites where life has been continuously evolving at least in the last two centuries. The heavy stones in the foundation of the walls date from antique times when the city bloomed under Antipatrea’s name. 

The Castle is the oldest neighborhood in the historical part with a major orthodox population and many charming Byzantine churches. Situated at the top of a hill this castle dominates the city today and is naturally protected by very steep terrain on three sides. The castle has been inhabited for centuries to this day creating in this way a very strong community, almost a big family. 

Located inside the Greek Orthodox monastery, “The Dormitory of St Mary” this is one of the most interesting museums, related to religious heritage. The church itself, a typical Byzantine, dual cross-shaped church with 2 dooms represents one of the best-preserved churches in Albania. Apart from its glamorous iconostasis and spectacular paintings in the nave, it is believed that it was also decorated with a decorative Rosete, just above the main doom. 

The Iconography Museum contains mainly paintings from Onufri and his legacy but also an anonymous painter of the period. These are all testimonials of the high intellectual level of the city. 

Based on the archeological excavations and documents, Berat rebloomed in the 13th century, especially inside the castle. The city evolved, bringing an increase in the population and in this way an expansion of the dwellings outside the castle.

Mangalem was structured mainly in the Ottoman period and was shaped as today after an earthquake where some parts of the city were destroyed. The style of the buildings changed from a heavy tower style with small windows and stone to a lighter structure, with more windows and lighter materials. 

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Berat was one of the most important cities in Albania and it also attracted citizens from all over the country to create settlements around the city. In this way, Gorica was created mainly as a merchant quarter, especially with citizens from Voskopoja in the southeast of Albania. The white color and the typical style were preserved in this neighborhood in this way creating a city with two similar faces on both sides of the Osumi River, connected through the Stone Bridge of Gorica.  

Durres has been probably the most important Albanian city, at least until 1920 when Tirana became the capital of Albania. Since antiquity, it is one of the main ports in the Mediterranean. Also, for the Romans, it was one of the most important stations of “Via Egnatia” a merchant Roman Road. The main highlight of the city is a magnificent amphitheater, of around 20000 seats, built by the Romans in the 2nd century.

After our visit of Durres, we will head back to Tirana where our tour ends.