Mesi Bridge in Shkodra in Need of Attention

TIRANA, August 26

The Mesi Bridge, which spans over Kir River in Shkodra area, built in the 18th century in the Ottoman architectural style is an important monument of culture. Despite this fact, local media report that not enough attention is given to it. Conservation works that were undertaken a few years ago were considered as a violation of the regulation on monument restoration. The gaps created by missing stones were filled with concrete, which is categorically forbidden.
The results of those interventions were noticed within a short period of time. Several rocks fell down while the sidewall was damaged thus posing a risk to this monument. The structure of the bridge consists of 13 asymmetrical arches and it connected Postribe village with the old castle of Drishti, which is still inhabited.
Meanwhile, the visitors that come to the area beside the structural damages of the bridge witness the high presence of solid urban waste on the banks of Kir River. So far, no intervention was made by the local power for removing waste.
Mesi Bridge along with Rozafa Castle are the most important monuments of culture and symbols of Shkodra. They are often depicted in paintings by local artists or engraved in wood or stones. However, both of them need more attention and conservation instead of being mentioned only in statistics on the number of visitors.

News Source: Ora News

Photo Credit: AETT