Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastër

UNESCO World Heritage Site
Panoramas of Berat (top) and Gjirokastër (bottom)
Location	Albania
Criteria	Cultural: iii, iv
Inscription	2005 (29th Session)
Extensions	2008

The Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastër (Albanian: Qendrat historike të Beratit dhe Gjirokastrës) are two amazing cities in southern Albania. These cities, Berat and Gjirokastër, are so special that they are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Albania. This means they are protected because they are important to everyone's history.

Gjirokastër was added to this special list in 2005. Berat joined the list a few years later in 2008. Both cities show off a unique style of building that was common during the time of the Ottoman Empire.

Discovering Berat, the City of a Thousand Windows

The old city of Berat with its many windows.

Berat is often called the "city of a thousand windows." This is because of its many old houses with windows that seem to stack up on the hillsides. It's one of Albania's most beautiful and special places for architecture.

You can still see influences from many old civilizations in Berat. These include the Illyrians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. Their designs are well-preserved in the city's castles, mansions, old churches, and mosques. You can also find grand wall paintings, icons, and murals. For many centuries, Berat was a place where different religions and communities lived together peacefully.

Exploring Gjirokastër, the City of Stone

A panoramic view of Gjirokastër, the city of stone.

Gjirokastër is known as the "city of stone." It sits high up on the side of the Drino River valley. From here, it looks out over a historic landscape surrounded by mountains.

Like many cities in Albania, Gjirokastër has buildings that show designs from many different civilizations. These are the groups of people who lived in and ruled the area over time.

Places to Visit

Berat's Historic Charm

Berat has many interesting places to see. The city's unique architecture is a big draw. You can explore the old districts and see how people lived long ago.

Related pages

• List of World Heritage Sites in Albania

Images for kids

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  Fresco at St. Theodore's Church