St. Michael's Church

Nice church and rather steep walk uphill beforehand which is however worth it for the view. Solid shoes are recommended. We went there on a Tuesday where it was sadly closed. It is possible to continue the path uphill to rejoin the Berat castle on the top of the mountain.

Like other reviews said, there will be a man (which I think is the management of the church) waiting to show you around the small church. My interactions with him are pleasant enough, he did not immediately asked me for an entry fee but showed me around and explained the history of the church with a mix of different languages. The church is beatiful, but small and not very interesting. It does offer some nice views of the river and the surrounding town. Of course in the end, he inevitably pressured me for a 1€ donation for a barely 2 minutes "tour". But it is up to your discretion to donate whatever amount to not upset him. I donated 20 leke (and told him its 1€), which satisfied him and I'm able to walk away unscathed.

St michel church is only open 09:00-13:00. We hiked up the steep 20-30 minutes and were greeted by a very friendly man, and him explain to me the history of that church. Old from 1300 century. He speak a little English and he showed us around the small interior of the church. Worth the climb and there's a path that continues up to the castle for like 30 min . The view is so beautiful

As many here have said, there is a strange man around the Orthodox Church on the edge of the cave. He can't be a priest whistling at you to stop and showing you the key, but just a gatekeeper or guardian who will eventually ask for money. Just ignore him and walk past, do not enter the place. On the other hand, it's not at all appropriate for tourists to throw away these empty bottles, given that no cars can get through this route to collect the rubbish. # Albania

If you’re passing by on your way up the castle, it’s worth a quick visit, but I wouldn’t recommend going out of your way to get here. The church is quite small, and there’s a man at the entrance asking for a one-euro fee to enter. His unfriendly attitude made the experience uncomfortable.

This church is only open 09:00-13:00. We hiked up the steep path (20-30 minutes depending on fitness) and were greeted by a very friendly man at the door of the church who kindly asked us for donations to enter. He spoke little English but we managed to converse and he showed us around the small interior of the church. Quite small and not a great deal to see but there is so me beautiful artwork and original stone flooring. Worth the climb and there's a path that continues up to the castle so the 2 could be combined

One of the best kept churches of Albania which I visited last month with my mother's best friend Vitore Stefa Leka and must say that the view out there is pretty amazing despite the road was a little difficult to climb...

Did not experience the 'gate man' that is spoken of in the reviews. We happened upon the church taking the trail down from the viewing platform. Only able to look in the gate but nice looking church on the hill all the same.