Welcome to Berat, the "City of a Thousand Windows," a place where time seems to have paused. As you wander through the steep, cobbled lanes of the Mangalem and Gorica quarters, you'll be captivated by the stacked white Ottoman houses that create a stunning architectural panorama. The city is crowned by the magnificent Berat Castle, a living citadel where families still reside within its ancient walls. The climb to the castle is a rewarding journey in itself, offering breathtaking views of the Osum River and the surrounding landscape, a perfect reward for the 15-20 minute walk from the town center.