Information
Landmark: Ali Pasha BridgeCity: Gjirokaster
Country: Albania
Continent: Europe
Ali Pasha Bridge, Gjirokaster, Albania, Europe
Overview
The Ali Pasha Bridge, built in the Ottoman era, stands just outside Gjirokastër, Albania, its weathered stones warming in the afternoon sun.Raised in the early 1800s as part of a vast aqueduct network, it stands as a striking feat of Ottoman engineering, its stone arches still carrying the quiet pride of that era’s ingenuity.Commissioned by Ali Pasha of Tepelena (1740–1822), a powerful Ottoman governor with a taste for bold architecture, the bridge formed part of an aqueduct that carried water from a spring near Sopot Mountain to Gjirokastër Castle, keeping its inhabitants supplied in peace and siege alike; though the Ottomans dismantled parts of the system after Ali Pasha’s fall, the surviving arches-cut from pale limestone and spanning a rocky gorge-still stand amid green slopes and mountain air, a lasting testament to Ottoman engineering skill and the heritage of Gjirokastër.Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore the site on foot.Spring and early summer bring mild weather and crisp, clear views of the hills around you.Many local guides weave the bridge into tours of Gjirokastër’s historic gems, from the towering stone walls of the castle to the ornate rooms of Zekate House and the bustling Ottoman Bazaar with its scent of fresh coffee.The Ali Pasha Bridge stands as a striking reminder of Ottoman-era Albania, uniting rich history with remarkable design.Visitors can step into the region’s history and still breathe in the scent of pine drifting through the hills.Whether you’re drawn to history, fascinated by old stonework, or eager to soak in mountain views, you’ll want to see this bridge when you’re in Gjirokastër.
