Overview:

Qafa e Pazarit Bridge, also known as Gjölbasan Bridge, is a historical stone arch bridge located in the southern Albanian city of Gjirokastër. The bridge was constructed in the 14th century and is part of the Ottoman road network that interconnected the cities of the Ottoman Empire. The bridge spans a deep and narrow gorge near the Galica river, and is one of the most iconic structures in the Gjirokastër region. This masterpiece of medieval architecture is built entirely out of stone, and is over 600 meters long. It is one of the longest stone arch bridges in the world and is considered a marvel of engineering and craftsmanship. The bridge is also a popular tourist attraction, offering stunning views of the surrounding gorge and river. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

Qafa e Pazarit Bridge is a pedestrian suspension bridge located in the Albanian city of Gjirokastër. This bridge is one of the largest suspension bridges in Albania. It was built in 1960 using all steel construction, and it is the longest suspension bridge in the entire country, spanning 654 meters. The bridge is suspended from steel cables on both sides and is made up of two sections – one section spans across the hills of Gjirokastër, and the other section spans over the town of Pazarit, connecting the two. This bridge gives the locals an easy and practical way to connect Gjirokastër to Pazarit without having to travel around the city. The bridge has two distinct features that make it unique. The first is its two-level construction – one section spans across the hills of Gjirokastër, and the other section connects to the town of Pazarit. This allows pedestrians to easily cross the bridge and not worry about the height of the bridge as they travel. The second feature of the bridge is its steel cables, which help to keep the bridge secure and stable even in strong winds. Qafa e Pazarit Bridge is an important landmark in Gjirokastër, and it is a great place to visit and enjoy the scenery of the city. The bridge is also a great spot for photographers, as its unique design makes it an eye-catching sight. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

Qafa e Pazarit Bridge, also known as Kala e Pazarit, is a stone bridge located in the city of Gjirokastër in southern Albania. It dates back to the Ottoman period and was built in the mid 19th century by the local authorities. The bridge is constructed of limestone blocks and has three arches. It spans the river Drinos and connects the two main sections of the city. The bridge was originally built to serve as a path for farmers to take their products to the market in Gjirokastër. The bridge is still used today by locals to cross the river and access the market. It has also become a popular attraction for visitors to the city, offering views of the river and the surrounding landscape. Qafa e Pazarit Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in the city and an important part of the local history and culture. It is a testament to the engineering skills and craftsmanship of the local people in the Ottoman period. Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Qafa e Pazarit Bridge is the largest stone arch bridge in Albania. 2. It was built in the 17th century by Ali Pasha of Tepelena, the Pasha of Albania from 1789 to 1822. 3. The bridge is an impressive 5 meter high and spans across the Vjosa River. 4. It is composed of two main arches and two lateral arches, all made out of river stones. 5. It is believed that the bridge originally had 9 arches, but over time, only 5 have remained intact. 6. The bridge was damaged during World War II and later restored in the 1960s. 7. The bridge is now part of a national road connecting the towns of Gjirokastër and Fier. 8. Due to its historical and architectural significance, the bridge is now a designated Protected Monument of Culture in Albania. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era