Gorica Bridge

The Gorica bridge crosses the Osum in the middle of Berat, joining the Mangalem quarter on the north bank to Gorica on the south, and although a crossing has existed here for a long time the present stone structure of seven arches dates from about 1780, replacing a wooden bridge on the same piers. It is a footbridge, closed to traffic, and it is the standard place from which to photograph Berat, with the tiered white houses and their many windows climbing the slope of Mangalem on one side and the castle above. Under the arches the river is shallow and the banks are used by locals. Both quarters and the bridge lie inside the World Heritage inscription for Berat and Gjirokastra.

What you actually see

• Seven stone arches - the 1780 bridge on older piers.
• The Mangalem view - the tiered white houses from the middle of the bridge.
• Gorica on the south bank - the quieter quarter across the water.
• The Osum below - the shallow river and its used banks.

When to go

April to October. One hour. Evening light on Mangalem from the bridge is the classic photograph. It is busy at sunset in summer. The bridge is open at all hours and free.

Honest expectations

It is a bridge and takes twenty minutes; the visit is the view and the two quarters at either end. It is crowded at sunset in season. The river is low and unattractive in late summer. There is no interpretation.

Nearby

The Mangalem quarter is on the north bank; Berat castle stands above.