Visit Albania

Mangalem Quarter The historic quarter of Mangalem is a well preserved area containing buildings of characteristic architecture and charming narrow alleys. While the Mangalem riverfront has traditionally been a bazaar area, the residences of merchants and artisans extend on the steep slope above. The quarter is shaped like an elegant pyramid, on top of which is the castle. The harmonization with the terrain is performed with a rare architectural mastery. The main visual characteristic of this quarter is the number of windows which have given the whole city the epithet “ the city of windows on top of each other”. mangalem-quarter-berat The Castle of Berat The castle rises on a rocky hill on the left bank of the Osum river and is accessible only from the south. It is the oldest and most representative monument of the city. After beign burned down by the Romans in 200 BC, the walls were strengthened in the fifth century under the Byzantine Emperor Theodosius II, and were rebuilt during the 6th century under Emperor Justinian and again in the 13th century under the Despot of Epirus, Michael Angelus Comnenus. The churches inside the fortress were largely built from this time onwards and because of their characteristic architecture are preserved as cultural munuments. The castle hill rises 187 m above the sea level with an area of 9.6 hectares. There are 24 towers of different forms and sizes along the impressive Hellenistic and medieval walls. The interior once contained 42 churches and chapels, though now there are only 8 intact shrines and the ruins of 2 mosques. The interior of the castle is still inhabited today. the-castle-queater-berat Mediaval Centre of Berat is the former Islamic town centre built by Sultan Bayezid II in the XVI century. It contains the King Mosque, the Helveti Tekke and the Dervish Chambers. In the area in between the monuments was a graveyard that was removed during the Communism area. The centre is surrounded by typical vernacular houses of the XVII-XVIII century.

While many visitors quickly breeze though the city, Shkodra’s turbulent 2400-year history has left plenty of interesting relics that make a stay in Albania’s cultural capital worthwhile. Hundreds of years of no-nonsense religious and ethnic tolerance resulted in booming trade, witnessed by Shkodra’s grand merchants’ homes, and dozens of mosques and Catholic and Orthodox churches standing in close proximity to each other. With travel to Albania now easier than ever before, and the number of visitors to Shkodra increasing, facilities for travellers are improving rapidly, with good hotels and several excellent restaurants now established. ​ The Rozafa Castle was probably founded by Illyrians. Later it was rebuilt several times by Romans, Venetians and Ottomans. The castle ruins consist of 3 courtyards and a few buildings. The oldest still standing structure on the castle grounds is the St. Stephens Church, which dates back to 1319. One of the main reasons to visit the castle is its location on a 130 m high hilltop, which offers panoramic views of Shkoder, the Buna and Drini rivers as well as the southern end of Lake Shkodra. In 2010 admission to the castle was 200 Leke (less than 2 Euro). Directions The Rozafa Castle is located on a small hill about 2,5 km southwest of Shkoders city centre. As we were a bit short on time, we took a taxi to the castle (500 Leke), but walked back to town. The walk led along a new promenade at the river Buna and was therefore quite pleasant. Another option to get to the castle is the public bus which stops somewhere at the main road below the castle. From there you still have to climb the hill to the entrance of the castle. Parruces Mosque Beside the dominating Ebu Bekr Mosque, there is a second large mosque in the city centre of Shkoder. Its name is Parruce Mosque (Xhamia Parruces) and it was the very first sight which we spotted when we got off our bus coming from Ulcinj in Montenegro. The Parruces Mosque is dedicated to the family of Haxhi Sait Jakup Fishta and it was completed in 2006. Directions: The Parruces Mosque is situated near the north western end of the square Sheshi Parruce, just opposite to the Lulishtja e Parruces Park. Migjeni Theatre After the theatre in Tirana, the Migjeni Theatre is considered the second most important theatre in Albania. First performances took place in 1879 and during the communist years many plays of Bertolt Brecht were shown here. Up to 1919 women were not allowed to perform on stage, which meant that men had to play the female characters. Directions: The Migjeni Theatre stands at the square Sheshi Demokracia (former: Sheshi 5 Heronjte), right in the heart of Shkoders city centre. The large Ebu Bekr Mosque which is the focal point of the local Muslim community, dominates Shkoders city centre.Also known as Al-Zamil Mosque, it was built in 1995 with funds from Saudi Arabia and Egypt. It stands on the site of an even earlier mosque. The Ebu Bekr Mosque has been extensively renovated in 2008. Directions: The Ebu Bekr Mosque is surrounded by a large garden. It stands somewhere between the Rozafa Hotel and the Colosseo Hotel; right in the heart of Shkoder.

The town of Himarë consists of the old town, Kastro, situated on and around the old castle and the coastal region of Spilea, which is the touristic and economic center of the region. Other parts of the town are Potami, Livadhi, Zhamari, Michaili and Stefaneli. North of the town of Himarë lie the villages of Vuno, Liates, Dhërmi, with its coastal region Jaliskari, and Palasë. Dhermi contains a number of recently built beach resorts. On the mountains lie Pilur and Kudhës, while Qeparo lies to the south of the town of Himarë. The region has several Orthodox churches and monasteries, built in the traditional Byzantine architecture, like the Monastery of the Cross, Athaliotissa, Saint Theodore, Virgin Mary in Dhërmi and Saint Demetrius. Moreover, a number of churches are located inside the castle of Himarë, which was initially built in classical antiquity, like the Church of Virgin Mary Kasopitra, Episkopi, which is built on the site of an ancient temple dedicated to Apollo, as well as the Aghioi Pantes church, in the entrance of the castle. Additional monuments in the castle include the mansion of the Spyromilios family and the Greek school. Check your accommodation in Himara: Click Here..>>

PANAGIA KASOPITRA - A Byzantine church of Panagia with an icon - the Mother of Christ - who is believed to be wonderful. In periods of drought, the people of Himara sang hymns to its icon and then heavy rains started on a short time ... SPYROMILIOS RESIDENCE - The old mansion house of the Spyromilios family that played such a major role in the history of Himara. Spyros Spyromilios liberated Himara in 1912 and was its leader for a certain period. AGIOI PANTES (ALL SAINTS) Church built around 1775 at the entrance of the Castle. Cosmas Aetolos preached here and the church, now renovated, is once more the cathedral of Himara. MONASTERY ATHALIOTISSAS On the mountain slopes above Himara there is the old monastery to Panagia Athaliotissa. Access is only on foot. MONASTERY AGIOU THEODOROU - Between the villages Liates and Drymades is this monastery dedicated to Saint Theodore. MONASTERY PANAGIAS DRYMADON This monastery is a pure white building; located on the peak over the village of Drymades has distinctive architecture. PANORMOS CASTLE (and PALERMO) South of Himara on a small peninsula is a closed and safe bay of the same name lies Panormos Castle, built by Ali Pasha of Ioannina at the dawn of the nineteenth century and still in excellent condition. PALAIO KIPARO (or ANO KIPARO - OLD OR UPPER KIPARO) – The entire village is picturesque, with its traditional architecture, the stone cobbled streets, the old churches composing an overall magical image. Of particular interest are the erection inscriptions on various houses. The family of George Tenet, former head of the CIA came from this village originally. MONASTERY AGIOU DIMITRIOU - At Kato Kiparo (Lower Kiparo) there is a white, renovated monastery dedicated to Saint Demetrius with a church of the same name. SOPOTO CASTLE - Near the village of Borsi along the mountain line lie the ruins of the Byzantine castle of Sopoto. The castle is hard to reach and the only access is on foot. SPILIA TON PIRATON (THE PIRATES CAVE) - North of Himara on the beach there is a large cave that can only be accessed by sea. The place is amazing and the beach ideal for a quiet swim. According to legend, the cave once provided a haven for pirates. BEACHES Himara is known for its wonderful beaches, most of which are pebble beaches, although some have sand. Spilia, the central beach of Himara attracts a lot of visitors in the summer. Further on there is Prinos, Potami,Filikouri, to the south lie Lamana, Kiparo, Borsi, the beaches at Pikerni (Bouneci) and Loukovo andKakomaea at Nivitsa (with a very perilous road). Beneath the Castle of Himara is the Livadi and then to the north lies Giali, Foussa, Zissos, Zypaea, Karkaniki, Gialiskari at Drymades, Palassa and Dralaios. At various points on the beaches of Himarra the water is cold because of the underground springs that exist. A few dozen metres away from these points, however, the water temperature rises once more to normal levels. During the summer months many small boats offer rides to the beaches near Spilia. Check your accommodation in Himara: Click Here..>>

In Dhermi Village there is a small ambulance with a Doctor. The Ambulatory is on the old village on the main road. Cel number of the Doctor: +355 693278759 Pharmacies There are two Pharmacies in Himara Hotels in Himara region: www.albania4u.com

By Car How to come to Himara. Generally a taxi is taken for a group of people who are travelling together so they can share it e.g 25 below prices are for the total cost of a journey. Sarande-Himare 32€, Vlore-Himare 45€, Kakavije-Himare 60€ Bus Lines: 1 - Himara-Tirana Departing 2 lines per day. Hours before 5:30 2 - Himara-Vlore Departing 4 lines per day. Hours before 6:45 3 - Himara-Saranda Departing 4 lines per day. Hours before 6:15 Some helpful taxi phone numbers 0684180872, 0692085964, 0684099926 Hotels in Himara: www.albania4u.com

Pharmacies There are two Pharmacies in Himara Dhermi service: Post Office: In the nation road, in front of Kastrati ( Petrol Station) POLICE Station Himara: +355(0)39322344 The Ambulatory is on the old village. Head of the Villages Dhermi: Aleks Marko, Tel: 0692435471 Dhermi: ( Gjileke) Llambro Ruci, Tel: 0692565832 Vuno: Artan Baca, Tel: 0692050051 Qeparo: Stefan Kokodhima, Tel 0683838090 Hotels in Himara region: www.albania4u.com

Muzaka is a new hotel in Berat on the east bank of the river. From the front entry you have a beautiful panoramic view of the old town and the bridge (get a river facing room). Rooms are smallish but adequate, with all common amenities including satellite television and free WiFi. Good breakfast selection (certainly for Albania), friendly personnel. The building still has some rough edges, with unfinished light fixtures sticking out of the walls here and there. Very nice garden. Room Tip: River facing room for a good view of the old town

If you want to stay In Berat, the hotel can really be recommended and is probably one of the best houses among those in traditional style in Albania. Watch your step when you walk around in the hotel as there are many steps. The room rates are quite Mangalemi The hotel is built in traditional style and fits harmoniously into the existing line of houses along the street leading to the old town on the hill. You immediately feel comfortably both inside and outside the hotel. Parking is available right in the street outside the The Hotel Mangalemi is easy to find. It is conveniently located in relation to the old and new town of Berat. The staff at the reception were very friendly and spoke English. The waiters in the restaurant were committed people, too.

"Amazing stay in the town of a thousand windows" The hotel is incredible and is certainly the authentic Albanian experience. It is situated in amongst the small cobble-stoned lanes of Mangalem. This hotels room is very good atmosphere, rock wall and arched window. There is small garden, you can see panorama of city. Of course you can use free wifi, and good breakfast. Price is bottom, but you can enjoy to stay with very friendly stuff.