Gorica bridge: one of the most beautiful Ottoman bridges in Albania

It is clear that the Ottoman Empire left a lot of marks on most of Adria’s countries, primarily cultural but also architectural such as castles, mosques, and bridges. In one of the articles before we mentioned one of the most beautiful bridges in Bosnia and Herzegovina called Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge, and in this article, we should also acknowledge the one in Albania too.

Known under the name Gorica Bridge (alb. Ura e Goricës), this bridge is, besides being called the most beautiful Ottoman bridge in Albania, one of the oldest as well.

Gorica Bridge, Gashi Bujar, CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Located in the center of the Albanian city of Berat, which is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list for its architectural character and historic importance just like Gjirokastra, Gorica bridge was built sometime in the 18th century by Ahmet Kurt Pasha,  the founder of Pashalik of Berat. 

The bridge is about 129 meters long and 5.3 meters wide and consists of 7 arches that connect Berat neighborhoods over the Osum River.

The original wooden construction of the bridge was sadly demolished during World War I, and since 1920, it has held the same shape but in stone until today.

Gorica Bridge, Photo: Yeowatzup, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Besides its long written history, Gorica Bridge has a legend too!  As the bridge was originally made out of wood, it had a dungeon hidden in one of the arches where locals would imprison a girl and starve her in order to please spirits and secure the safety of the bridge. Such sacrifice can be recognized in the construction of the Rozafa Castle too.

Gorica Bridge, Photo: Ronatory, Unsplash

If you ever decide to visit Albania, and the city of Thousand Windows, make sure to check out Gorica as well! 🙂