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Gorica Bridge: A Timeless Arched Passage

Cross the historic Gorica Bridge in Berat, Albania, for stunning views and a journey through time in this UNESCO World Heritage city.

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The Gorica Bridge is an iconic 18th-century Ottoman-era stone bridge in Berat, Albania, connecting the Gorica neighborhood to the rest of the city. Spanning the Osum River with its elegant arches, it offers picturesque views of Berat's historic architecture and is a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Gorica Bridge

  • Ura e Goricës, Berat, AL
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during sunset for the most stunning views and the best lighting for photographs.
  • Explore the nearby Gorica neighborhood for a taste of local culture and traditional Albanian cuisine.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the area around the bridge has cobblestone paths and can be steep.
  • Check for local festivals or events that may be taking place near the bridge for a more immersive experience.
  • Take a leisurely stroll across the bridge to fully appreciate its architecture and the views of the Osum River and surrounding hills.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Berat city center, head south towards the Osum River. Landmarks like the Lead Mosque or the Ethnographic Museum can serve as starting points. Walk along the main promenade, Rruga Antipatrea, following signs for 'Ura e Goricës'. As you approach the river, the bridge will become visible. Cross the bridge to reach the Gorica neighborhood. The walk from the city center is approximately 10-15 minutes. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Local buses (furgons) operate in Berat, connecting the city center with the outskirts. From the bus terminal or a designated bus stop in the city center, board a furgon heading towards the Gorica neighborhood. Inform the driver of your destination, Ura e Goricës. The bus will drop you off at a suitable point near the bridge, usually within a 5-minute walk. A single fare on a local bus costs approximately 30-50 Lek. From the drop-off point, walk towards the river to reach the bridge.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Berat. You can find them at the taxi stand in 'Iljaz Vrioni' square or use a ride-hailing app. Request a taxi to Ura e Goricës. The taxi ride from the city center to the bridge is short, typically costing around 300-500 Lek, depending on the distance and traffic. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting the journey. There are no additional tolls or mandatory access fees.

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Discover more about Gorica Bridge

Ura e Goricës, also known as the Gorica Bridge, stands as a proud landmark in Berat, Albania, a city celebrated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This elegant stone bridge, built in the 18th century during the Ottoman period, connects the Gorica neighborhood with the historic Mangalem quarter, bridging not only the Osum River but also centuries of history. Originally constructed of wood, the bridge was rebuilt with stone in 1780 under Ahmet Kurt Pasha, enhancing its stability and resilience. The bridge stretches 129.3 meters in length and 5.3 meters in width, featuring seven arches that gracefully span the river. These arches, ranging from 9 to 16.7 meters, give the bridge its distinctive and captivating appearance. Throughout its history, the Gorica Bridge has undergone several restorations, including a significant reconstruction in the 1920s and 1930s, which solidified its current form. Today, it stands approximately 10 meters above the Osum River, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and Berat's unique hillside architecture. The bridge is now a pedestrian-only passage, inviting visitors to leisurely stroll across and soak in the serene atmosphere. Legend has it that the original wooden bridge had a dungeon where locals would imprison a girl and starve her in order to please spirits and secure the safety of the bridge. While this is just a legend, it does add to the allure and mystery of the bridge. Visiting the Gorica Bridge is more than just seeing a beautiful structure; it's an immersive experience into Berat's cultural and historical essence. The bridge serves as a gateway to exploring the city's Ottoman-era houses and the nearby Berat Castle.

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