The Mesi Bridge is a tourist attraction that is almost 300 years old

Albania can certainly boast of a substantial collection of Ottoman bridges that are still in excellent condition today thanks to various preservation procedures. On one occasion, we have already presented two very interesting bridges in the area of ​​Gjirokastra, which are real monuments of cultural heritage, and which, if you go to that part of Albania, you must visit.

It is the turn of another bridge, which, due to its history, location, and beauty, has become extremely popular among the local population, as well as tourists.

Mesi bridge, Albania Photo: unaihuizi Depositphotos

It is located only 9 kilometers from Shkodër, near the border with Montenegro, with which it shares the beautiful idyll of the largest lake in the Balkans. Its most accurate address is in the village of Mes, after which the Mesi Bridge got its name. Below it flows the Kiri River, which rises in the Albanian Alps at the foot of the Maja e Gjatë peak, and travels as much as 52 kilometers, and in front of the Rozafa Fortress itself, it joins the Drim River.

Mesi bridge, Photo: bennymarty, Depositphotos

The Mesi Bridge was built sometime in 1770 by the Pashalik of Skadar, Mehmed Pasha Bushari, who also built the Lead Mosque near the Rozafa castle.

This very interesting mosque just got its name from its roof, which is made of lead, and is a rare example of a religious building that survived the communist regime. It was protected by the fact that it was declared a cultural monument in 1948.

Lead mosque, Rozafa castle, Photo: Adria.fun

The Mesi Bridge spans 130 meters and consists of 13 arches. Its appearance is quite intriguing, as it is not perfectly straight when viewed from the side. At an angle of 14 degrees to the left, the bridge was built in two phases. The largest arch stretches 21.5 meters, which gives it a unique charm.

Due to the great floods over the centuries caused by the Kiri River, the bridge suffered great damage, so the water found its way through the debris. It was inaccessible for years, but thanks to the Albanian Development Fund, the bridge can now be crossed on foot.

The best time to visit it is in late spring or during summer. In addition to walking and cycling in the area and across the bridge, you can also enjoy the refreshment of the lush Kiri River.