Background

Mesi Bridge, Kolonja Travel Guide

Search across countries, cities, destinations, landmarks, attractions, restaurants, bars, hotels and more.
Please tell us what you're looking for
4.5 (1344)

Discover the historical Mesi Bridge near Shkodër, Albania, an Ottoman-era marvel offering picturesque views and a glimpse into the region's past.

The Mesi Bridge, located near Shkodër, Albania, is an Ottoman-era bridge dating back to the 18th century. Spanning the Kir River, it is one of the longest Ottoman bridges in the region and a popular tourist attraction.

A brief summary to Mesi Bridge

  • Shqipëri, AL, Mes 4012, Boks, AL
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Mesi Bridge.

  • Visit during the spring or summer to enjoy the natural landscape and the refreshing waters of the river.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking along the bridge and exploring the riverbanks.
  • Combine your visit with a bicycle tour around the area.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Byllis Archaeological Park

Byllis Archaeological Park

Skanderbeg Square

Skanderbeg Square

Castle of Kruja

Castle of Kruja

National Historical Museum

National Historical Museum

Friendship Monument

Friendship Monument

Explore Mesi Bridge on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Mesi Bridge, mapped for you.

Unlock the Best of Mesi Bridge

Buy tickets

  • No tickets available

Book tours with entry

  • No tours available

Book tours without entry

  • No tours available

Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Shkodër city center, the quickest way to reach Mesi Bridge is by taxi. A taxi ride takes approximately 10 minutes and costs between $15 and $19. Taxis are readily available throughout Shkodër.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Mesi Bridge by public transport from Shkodër, take a local bus or minivan (furgon) heading towards the village of Mes or Boks. These buses may be infrequent, so it's best to inquire locally about the schedule. The bus will drop you off in Boks, from where you'll need to walk approximately 2 kilometers to reach the bridge. A bus ticket should cost around 100-200 Lek.

  • Car

    If driving from Shkodër, head northeast towards the village of Mes. The drive is approximately 7.6 km and takes about 10 minutes. There is a small parking area near the bridge on the west side where you can park for free.

Discover more about Mesi Bridge

Nestled in the village of Mes, approximately 5 kilometers northeast of Shkodër, the Mesi Bridge (Ura e Mesit, meaning "the bridge in the middle") stands as a remarkable example of 18th-century Ottoman engineering. Built around 1770 by Kara Mahmud Bushati, the local Ottoman pasha, the bridge spans the Kir River.The bridge was strategically constructed to connect Shkodër with the town of Drisht and other settlements to the north, facilitating trade and movement across the Kir Valley towards Pristina. The bridge is 108 meters long, 3.4 meters wide, and 12.5 meters high, featuring 13 arches. Its construction was divided into two phases. The first phase included the middle arch and an adjacent arch, while the second phase added the remaining 11 arches.Today, the Mesi Bridge is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors with its historical significance and scenic surroundings. The bridge's stone construction, with its rounded stones and stone plates, is intriguing to see. Visitors can walk along the bridge and explore the riverbanks. However, the bridge is at risk, having been damaged over time by devastating floods.

More to explore near Mesi Bridge

Mobile App

Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.



Explore More of Kolonja

File:Erseka, Kolonja.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Looking beyond Mesi Bridge? Discover Kolonja for broader travel guides, local hot-spots, and regional highlights.

Explore Kolonja
Attraction

Discover Shkodër's architectural gem: a historic Catholic cathedral with stunning neo-Gothic design, echoing centuries of devotion and Albanian resilience.

Arqipeshkëvia Metropolitane Shkodër Katedralja e Shën Shtjefnit
Attraction

Experience the authentic taste of Albania at Kompleksi Lumaj, a top restaurant in Fshat i Ri, Shkoder, renowned for its traditional cuisine and vibrant atmosphere.

KOMPLEKSI LUMAJ

Select Currency