Bed & Breakfast Josiph

The property is located inside of Berat Castle, one of the oldest castles in the Balkan area and the only one still inhabited. It was built around the 13th century and has two outdoor areas on different levels. One has a great view over the city and Tomorri's Mountain and the other one guarantees a total privacy to the guests, offering a relaxing view with its green areas full of roses. The property has been partially renovated recently but retains all the architecture that characterizes it. Mr. Josiph lives on the property with his wife, is a professional baker and runs a traditional wood-fired oven. He is a sunny person who likes to share local traditions with guests. He doesn't speak English very well, but he use to make himself understood perfectly. Guests will be able to access outdoor areas, bedroom and toilet areas Staff will help guests with any questions that they might have. The availability depends on the days, but we will try to be the most possible available. Inside Berat castle there are many houses with historical elements. A Mosque, "Red Mosque", which can be identified by it's lonely minaret (a staircase inside provides access to the top), more than 20 Christian churches, and Onufri National Museum which surrounds one of the largest Orthodox churches with many 16th century paintings, by "Master Onufri", and a decorative alter inside. The most striking thing about this castle is that, unlike any other ancient castle, life inside its ancient walls continues to this day! What exists inside the castle is an entirely different world from the city of Berat below: its own town with houses, bars and restaurants, churches and bazaars, museums and monuments, surrounded by an especially lush landscape that breathes even more life into this mythical place. It all seems very unreal! The houses are located on one side of the castle, looking out into the river and the city below. This view, for visitors, it’s absolutely breathtaking. Erected on top of a hill during the 4th century B.C., Berat Castle is as magnificent and elegant as it ever has been, and is the crown jewel of the ancient city. Encircled by stone walls, with a total of twenty-four watchtowers, Berat Castle is certainly one of the most beautiful castles in Albania! Its ancient name, dating back to 216 B.C., is Antipatrea. The view from its fortified courtyard reveals, as it did thousands of years ago, the entire city of Berat, the Osum River, and the old bridge of Gorica. A trip to Berat would be incomplete without seeing this landscape from the heights of the castle. The entrance to the castle, a large gate built on giant rocks, leaves a strong first impression on each visitor who comes across it. Currently the castle is part to UNESCO World Heritage Site acknowledgement. Accessing the castle easily can only be done from the Southern side. Many people who continue to live in the castle enter and exit the Southern entrance as the Northern is a drop off to the Osum River, over 100m. If entering by foot, walk up the steep cobble stone hill from downtown Berat will be rewarding. Many residents of the castle prefer to take an afternoon bus that departs from the opposite side of the city, straight through town, and up a back route. P.s. : Due to new government taxes, we want to inform our guests that, as we are located inside an Unesco heritage castle, there is ticket of 2.5 euro per person that you might be charged at the entrance of the castle.