Albania in July 2026 Part 3 - Berat Castle

In this part 3 of my Albania 2026 exploration the focus is on the Berat Castle. Berat Castle (Kalaja e Beratit) is a monumental fortress with over 2,400 years of continuous human habitation, making it one of the oldest and largest living citadels in Europe. Illyrian Foundations (4th Century BC): The hill was first fortified by the Illyrian Parthini tribe. Known then as Antipatrea, it served as a highly strategic military stronghold protecting the Osum River valley. In 200 BC, Roman forces burned the initial settlement to the ground. Recognizing its value, the Romans later rebuilt the walls, which were heavily reinforced in the 5th century by Emperor Theodosius II to repel barbarian invasions. Byzantine Splendor (6th–13th Century): Emperor Justinian I heavily refortified the citadel in the 6th century. However, most of the grand perimeter walls standing today were constructed in the 13th century under Michael I Komnenos Doukas, the Despot of Epirus. The Ottoman Era (1417 Onward): The Ottomans captured Berat in 1417, introducing Islamic architecture to the hilltop. While they built iconic structures like the Red Mosque, the castle footprint remained unique because the Muslim population primarily settled in the valley below (Mangalem), allowing the Christian community inside the castle walls to continue building and maintaining over 20 Byzantine churches. Holy Trinity Church - https://maps.app.goo.gl/1rFRC3du6PvNt... Located just below the inner walls of the castle, this 14th-century Byzantine masterpiece is famous for its distinct red-brick dome and cross-in-square design.