Description of the attraction
The Mes Bridge, located 8 km from the city of Shkoder on the Kir river, not far from the ruins of the Drisht fortress, is a cultural monument. Built in 1768 by order of Mehmet Pasha Bushati, the arch bridge served to connect the rest of the region with Shkoder. As an example of Ottoman architecture in Albania, it attracts many tourists.
The length of the bridge is 108 meters, the width is 3.40 m. The peculiarity of the bridge is its non-linearity, the angle of inclination is 14 degrees in relation to the lower side, the span on the right is 5 m below the large arc. It is noticeable that the structure was erected in two stages: initially, the central arch and its foundations were built on the left and right. In the second phase of construction, a road was laid over the river and small retaining arches were built at each end. In total, the bridge has 13 arches, the largest in the center. Their arrangement is somewhat asymmetrical.
The material for the construction of the base and vaults of the bridge is hewn stone, and the roadway and sidewalk are made of stone slabs. An additional attractiveness to the bridge is given by the picturesque surrounding area and the river with rocky banks, rapids and clear clear water.
The bridge suffered extensive damage from time, earthquakes, weather changes and river floods. Nevertheless, in May 2010 the restoration of the bridge was completed and it is perfect for walking and cycling.
