These two fortified historic centres are remarkably well preserved,
and this is particularly true of their vernacular buildings. They have
been continuously inhabited from ancient times down to the present day.
Situated in the Balkans, in Southern Albania, and close to each other,
they bear witness to the wealth and diversity of the urban and
architectural heritage of this region.
Berat and Gjirokastra bear witness to a way of life which has been
influenced over a long period by the traditions of Islam during the
Ottoman period, while at the same time incorporating more ancient
influences. This way of life has respected Orthodox Christian traditions
which have thus been able to continue their spiritual and cultural
development, particularly at Berat.
Gjirokastra was built by major landowners. Around the ancient 13th
century citadel, the town has houses with turrets (the Turkish kule
) which are characteristic of the Balkans region. Gjirokastra contains
several remarkable examples of houses of this type, which date from the
17th century, but also more elaborate examples dating from the early
19th century.
Berat bears witness to a town which was fortified but open, and was
over a long period inhabited by craftsmen and merchants. Its urban
centre reflects a vernacular housing tradition of the Balkans, examples
of which date mainly from the late 18th and the 19th centuries. This
tradition has been adapted to suit the town's life styles, with tiered
houses on the slopes, which are predominantly horizontal in layout, and
make abundant use of the entering daylight.
Criterion (iii) : Berat and Gjirokastra bear
outstanding testimony to the diversity of urban societies in the
Balkans, and to longstanding ways of life which have today almost
vanished. The town planning and housing of Gjirokastra are those of a
citadel town built by notable landowners whose interests were directly
linked to those of the central power. Berat bears the imprint of a more
independent life style, linked to its handicraft and merchant functions.
Criterion (iv) : Together, the two towns of
Gjirokastra and Berat bear outstanding testimony to various types of
monument and vernacular urban housing during the Classical Ottoman
period, in continuity with the various Medieval cultures which preceded
it, and in a state of peaceful coexistence with a large Christian
minority, particularly at Berat.
The overall integrity of the two towns is satisfactory, although this
was adversely affected by illegal constructions in the late 1990s.
Authenticity is also satisfactory, but preservation management must be
stepped up and carefully enforced, in accordance with the highest
international standards.
The management plan measures and the recently established
coordination authority responsible for implementing the plan should
encourage an active policy of preservation and conservation of the
property's Outstanding Universal Value, particularly as regards urban
construction management and visitor facilities.
Historical Description
The town of Berat is one of the oldest in Albania, with the
earliest traces of settlement dating from 2600-1800 BC. There are also
ceramics from the 7th or 6th century BC. The Berat people were first
called Illyrians, then Arbër, and finally Albanians.
The castle area had stone fortifications by the middle of the 4th century. An Illyrian town developed under its protection.
In antiquity, Berat was known as Antipatreia, a fortified centre
which succeeded in resisting the Roman legions for a time. The town is
mentioned by Polybius and Livy, and in the list of fortifications of
Emperor Justinian. During the Byzantine period, in 533, Berat is called
Pulcheriopolis, after the 5th century Byzantine Empress Pulcheria. It
developed at the summit of the hill. The castle and its fortifications
were rebuilt.
In the middle ages, the town was under Bulgarian occupation
(860-1018), and grew in importance. The name Berat is first mentioned in
1018. From the Crusader period onward (13th century), Berat had various
occupants, including the Angevins, the Serbs, and the Muzakaj
Princedom. Much of the fortification system was rebuilt, in the 13th
century, assuming its present-day general form, and many features of
this period have been conserved.
During the 13th and 14th centuries three important churches were
built: St. Mary Vllaherna, Holy Trinity, and St. Michael. At this time
the town had a remarkable cistern system.
At the start of the 15th century Berat was occupied by the Ottomans.
Substantial alterations were made at this time; the fortifications were
repaired and new towers were built to strengthen them. The town remained
part of the Ottoman Empire for a long period, characterised by peace
and prosperity. Situated as it was on a major communication route
between the capital and the Adriatic, it spread beyond its
fortifications. Its quarters took on their present-day form: Kala (the
castle), and Mangalem and Gorica on the opposite bank. The communities
of inhabitants built many mosques, several of which have outstanding
architectural qualities (Leaden Mosque, Teqeja Helvetive mosque).
This period was notable for its remarkable religious tolerance, and
the conservation of the Orthodox Christian heritage within a sizeable
Muslim population. Christian arts such as illumination and iconography
developed (School of Onufri, 16th century) and the Orthodox Cathedral
was restored (18th century).
After the uprising against the Turks in 1834, the Castle of Berat was
damaged, and lost its defensive function. Nevertheless, it has retained
much of the historic fabric. Until 1961, the condition of Berat
remained practically the same. The historic town was then recognised as
an important heritage property by the Albanian government.
The first protective order by the Albanian government dates from 16
October 1948 (Academy of Sciences, decree no. 93), and consisted of a
list of monuments of national value. For Berat, it included: the castle,
the bridge over the river Osum, four churches and a mosque. In 1961,
the order of 2 June (no. 172) declared that Berat was a national
historic centre and museum-town. The list of category 1 monuments in the
town was increased to 50 properties, including many private residential
properties. Monuments and houses were later added to this list: two in
1963, and one each in 1973, 1977 and 1983.
In 1965, the creation of the Albanian Institute of Cultural Monuments
led to the setting up of an annual programme for the maintenance and
restoration of category 1 monuments. It is supervised by architects and
based on compliance with the Venice Charter directives. Under this
scheme, any monuments at Berat have been consolidated and restored,
including the castle and the religious monuments, and frescoes have been
conserved.
The preservation and conservation of the monuments in Berat was
however greatly neglected during the 1990s, as a result of the political
transition. A true heritage project for the town was not resumed until
two or three years ago. A five-year plan has been set up for 2007-2011
by the Institute of Cultural Monuments.
Source: Advisory Body Evaluation
