Berat: The White City of a Thousand Windows

• HelloMirëmëngjes
  [mee-rum-un-gyes]
• GoodbyeMirupafshim
  [mee-roo-pahf-sheem]
• YesPo
  [poh]
• NoJo
  [yoh]
• Please/You're welcomeJu lutem
  [yoo loo-tem]
• Thank youFaleminderit
  [fa-le-min-dee-reet]
• Excuse me/SorryMë falni
  [muh fahl-nee]
• How are you?Si jeni?
  [see yeh-nee]
• Fine. And you?Mirë. Dhe ju?
  [mee-rum deh yoo]
• Do you speak English?A flisni anglisht?
  [ah flees-nee ahn-gleesht]
• I don't understandNuk kuptoj
  [nook koop-toy]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseDëshiroj të shoh menunë, ju lutem
  [duh-shee-roy tuh shoh meh-noo-nuh yoo loo-tem]
• I don't eat meatUnë nuk ha mish
  [oo-nuh nook hah meesh]
• Cheers!Gëzuar!
  [geh-zoo-ar]
• I would like to pay, pleaseDua të paguaj, ju lutem
  [doo-ah tuh pah-gwah yoo loo-tem]

• Help!Ndihmë!
  [ndee-muh]
• Go away!Shko larg!
  [shkoh lahrg]
• Call the Police!Thirrni policinë!
  [theer-nee poh-lee-tsee-nuh]
• Call a doctor!Thirrni një doktor!
  [theer-nee nyuh dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostJam i humbur
  [yahm ee hoom-boor]
• I'm illJam i sëmurë
  [yahm ee suh-moo-ruh]

• I'd like to buy...Dua të blej...
  [doo-ah tuh bleh]
• I'm just lookingPo shikoj vetëm
  [poh shee-koy veht-uhm]
• How much is it?Sa kushton?
  [sah kooshton]
• That's too expensiveKjo është shumë e shtrenjtë
  [kyoh esh-tuh shoo-muh eh shtrehn-jteh]
• Can you lower the price?A mund ta ulni çmimin?
  [ah moon-d tah ool-nee chmee-meen]

• What time is it?Sa është ora?
  [sah esh-tuh oh-rah]
• It's one o'clockËshtë një ora
  [esh-teh nyuh oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Njëmbëdhjetë
  [nyuhm-buh-dhyet]
• MorningMëngjes
  [muhn-gyes]
• AfternoonPasdite
  [pahs-dee-teh]
• EveningMbrëmje
  [mbruhm-yeh]
• YesterdayDje
  [djeh]
• TodaySot
  [sot]
• TomorrowNesër
  [neh-sahr]
• 1Një
  [nyuh]
• 2Dy
  [duh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Katër
  [ka-ter]
• 5Pesë
  [peh-seh]
• 6Gjashtë
  [gyahsht]
• 7Shtatë
  [sh-tah-tuh]
• 8Tetë
  [teh-tuh]
• 9Nëntë
  [nuhn-tuh]
• 10Dhjetë
  [dhyeh-tuh]

• Where's a/the...?Ku është një/...?
  [koo esh-tuh nyuh]
• What's the address?Cila është adresa?
  [chee-lah esh-tuh ah-dreh-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?A mund të më trego (në hartë)?
  [ah moon-d tuh muh troh-go (nuh hahr-tuh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kur është autobusi tjetër?
  [koor esh-tuh ah-oo-toh-boo-see tyeh-ter]
• A ticket (to ....)Një biletë (në ....)
  [nyuh bee-leh-tuh (nuh)]

Berat, also known as the 'City of a Thousand Windows,' has roots dating back to the 6th century BCE. The city was originally a settlement of the Illyrian tribe of the Dassaretae. It was later fortified by the Romans, becoming an essential part of the Roman and Byzantine Empires.

During the Byzantine period, Berat flourished as a key military and administrative center. The construction of the Berat Castle, or Kalaja, began in this era, and the city became a hub for Orthodox Christianity. The Byzantine influence is still visible in Berat's architecture and religious sites.

In the 15th century, Berat fell under Ottoman rule, which significantly shaped its cultural and architectural landscape. The Ottomans built mosques, bridges, and other structures, many of which still stand today. The city became a melting pot of different cultures and religions, with Muslims, Christians, and Jews living side by side.

The 18th and 19th centuries saw a cultural renaissance in Berat. It became a center for arts, education, and trade. The city's unique architecture, characterized by large windows and stone houses, dates back to this period. Many of Berat's historic homes and religious buildings were constructed during this time.

During World War II, Berat was a stronghold of resistance against the Axis powers. After the war, Albania fell under communist rule, and Berat was no exception. The city experienced industrialization and modernization, but many historical structures were preserved. Berat's significance as a cultural and historical center was recognized even during the communist era.

In 2008, Berat was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition was due to its well-preserved Ottoman architecture, historical significance, and cultural diversity. The status has helped safeguard Berat's rich heritage and promote it as a key tourist destination in Albania.

Berat is located in south-central Albania and is accessible by several means. The nearest international airport is Tirana International Airport (TIA), approximately 120 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a bus or a taxi to Tirana's main bus terminal, where buses and minibuses (furgons) regularly depart to Berat. The journey typically takes around 2 to 3 hours by road. Renting a car is another convenient option, allowing you to explore the region at your own pace.

Berat is a relatively small city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis are available and reasonably priced. Public buses and minibuses (furgons) connect Berat to nearby towns and villages. Biking is also a great way to explore the city and its surroundings, with several rental shops offering bicycles at affordable rates. For those wanting to travel further afield, car rentals are available in the city.

The official currency in Albania is the Albanian Lek (ALL). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available throughout Berat, where you can withdraw local currency. It is also a good idea to exchange some money before arriving in Berat to ensure you have enough funds upon arrival.

Berat is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is wise to take standard precautions such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Berat does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Petty theft can occur, so use hotel safes for valuables and avoid displaying expensive items openly.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Berat has a local hospital and several clinics that can handle medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also readily available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For police assistance, you can visit the local police station or call the emergency number.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering churches and monasteries. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a friendly smile. It's polite to use the word 'Pershendetje' for hello. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Berat like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Albanian goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Berat, including the Mangalem and Gorica quarters, as well as the Berat Castle. For a unique experience, take a walk along the Osum River and enjoy the stunning views of the city.