Berat Castle is one of the oldest and most impressive inhabited castles in the Balkans, rising above the city of Berat with panoramic views of the Osum River and the famous “city of a thousand windows.” Unlike most castles, this one is still alive — people live inside its stone walls, in traditional houses that have stood for centuries. Why it’s special Origins from the 4th century BC, fortified mainly in the 13th century Inhabited citadel with narrow stone streets and old homes ⛪ Dozens of Byzantine churches and Ottoman-era monuments A rare example where churches and mosques coexist inside the same fortress What you’ll see inside The Church of St. Mary of Blachernae (famous frescoes) Traditional houses, ruins, viewpoints, and craft shops Best visited late afternoon for views and light Berat Castle isn’t just a monument — it’s a living piece of history, and one of the highlights of any visit to southern Albania.

Belshi Lake is one of the most picturesque natural attractions of central Albania, located in the heart of the Dumre Plateau, a unique karst area famous for its dozens of lakes formed by geological collapse. The lake lies next to the town of Belsh and is surrounded by gentle hills, farmland, and quiet rural landscapes, creating a peaceful and authentic atmosphere far from mass tourism. With calm waters that reflect the sky and surrounding greenery, Belshi Lake is ideal for relaxing walks, photography, and short stops during a journey between Berat and Elbasan. A scenic promenade lines part of the shoreline, where cafés and small restaurants offer local food and traditional Albanian hospitality. The area is especially beautiful in spring and autumn, when colors change and temperatures are mild.

The Mangalem Quarter is the most iconic historic neighborhood of Berat and a key reason the city is known as the “City of a Thousand Windows.” Located on the left bank of the Osum River, directly below Berat Castle, Mangalem is famous for its steep rows of white Ottoman houses with large windows stacked one above another, creating a unique architectural panorama. Dating mainly from the 18th and 19th centuries, the quarter reflects traditional Ottoman urban life, with narrow cobblestone streets, stone stairways, and closely built homes adapted to the hillside terrain. Mangalem was historically a Muslim quarter and is home to important monuments such as the King Mosque and the Helveti Tekke.