Mes Bridge

The Mes bridge crosses the Kir north-east of Shkoder and was built in the late eighteenth century by Kara Mahmud Bushati, the local pasha, to carry the caravan road toward Kosovo: thirteen stone arches over about a hundred and eight metres, with a high central span and a rising and falling deck, in the standard Ottoman form and one of the longest of its kind surviving in the region. The river beneath is shallow and braided across a wide gravel bed most of the year, which makes the bridge look oversized until you see it in flood. It is free and open, walked across, with the mountains behind, and it is an easy trip from Shkoder by bike along the road toward Drisht.

What you actually see

• Thirteen stone arches - a hundred and eight metres of Ottoman bridge.
• The high central span - the rising and falling deck over the main channel.
• The braided Kir bed - shallow gravel channels beneath most of the year.
• The mountain backdrop - the northern ranges behind the bridge.

When to go

April to October. One hour. Mornings and late afternoon for light on the stonework. It is an easy bike ride from Shkoder. Weekends bring local visitors.

Honest expectations

The river is low and unattractive for much of the year, which flattens the setting. There is no interpretation and no facilities. Litter along the riverbed is a problem. Parking is a roadside area.

Nearby

Shkoder is south-west; Drisht castle lies further up the road.