09/12/2024
6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Albania
1. Butrint National Archaeological Park, Saranda.
With origins tracing back to the 7th century BC, Butrint served as a Greek colony before becoming a Roman city and later an important Byzantine and Venetian trading outpost.
What’s interesting about this site is the fusion of Hellenistic, Roman, and medieval architecture, including a well-preserved amphitheatre, basilica, and fortifications.
2. Gjirokastër, Also Known as The City of Stone
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, this town is now a well-preserved historic centre with stone-built houses that line narrow cobblestone streets.
One of the most famous features of Gjirokastra is its beautiful castle, which offers the best view you can get of the town. Within its walls, visitors can explore the “The Arms Museum” and former prison, which together with the “Museum of Gjirokastra”, are located inside the castle.
The National Folklore Festival is another interesting event that takes place every 5 years at the castle and celebrates Albanian cultural heritage.
3. Berat, or ‘The City of a Thousand Windows’
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, unfolds along the banks of the Osum River.
Aptly named the “City of a Thousand Windows,” Berat is renowned for its white Ottoman houses stacked along the hillside, now part of the city’s identity.
The Mangalem and Gorica quarters, located opposite river banks, testify to the harmonious coexistence of different religious and cultural communities over the centuries.
4. Gashi River
The Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007, span 12 European countries, including Albania, Slovakia, Germany, and Ukraine.
The components of this Heritage Site in Albania include the Gashi River and the forest of Rrajca.
5. Rrajca Forest
Rrajca Forest, located in Librazhd, Elbasan County, is a significant village within the Shebenik-Jabllanica National Park. This beautiful heritage site adds a cultural dimension to the natural splendour of the area. Blessed with mountains and lakes, the area stands as one of the most picturesque mountain regions in eastern Albania.
6. Prespa-Ohrid Basin Biosphere Reserve
Ohrid lake view from Lin village
Albania’s commitment to environmental conservation is evident in its biosphere reserves. The Ohrid Basin (recognized as a transboundary biosphere reserve in collaboration with North Macedonia) reflects the nation’s dedication to balancing human activities and biodiversity conservation.
