Wedged between two rocky hills, Ali Pasha’s Bridge appears within a narrow valley full of goat trails and footpaths.
The impressive structure resides just outside the old stone homes of Gjirokaster, in southern Albania. Originally part of an aqueduct system, the “bridge” is now used as a footpath for local goats and the sporadic hiker.
Like so many other things in the Balkan country, the former aqueduct is named after the famous Ali Pasha of Tepelenë.
A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY
If you haven’t heard of Ali Pasha, I can’t blame you. I hadn’t heard of him until I arrived in Albania, and even then, he was a character clouded in mystery. But for the sake of this article, I’ll mention that he held significant power in the region during the rule of the Ottoman Empire.
One of his accomplishments was the commissioning of a large aqueduct system. This was during the early 19th century, when Gjirokaster had no water service. When Ali Pasha realized this, he built the aqueducts to feed the Gjirokaster Castle with water from the nearby Mount Sopot.
Ali Pasha’s Bridge from the valley floor.
In later years, the aqueduct was mostly demolished. Fortunately, a piece in the Dunavat Quarter (Ali Pasha’s Bridge) remained. While it has very little use now, it makes for a spectacular destination that’s off the beaten path.
A SHORT BUT AMAZING HIKE TO ALI PASHA’S BRIDGE
Pictures might make the bridge look like it’s stranded in the middle of nature, but the hike from the heart of Gjirokaster only takes about half an hour.
Signs pointing to the aqueduct will lead you through a maze of houses, before opening up into a valley. I’m normally all for sandals, but for this walk, I suggest slipping on some athletic shoes. The majority of the hiking trail is loose rock and gravel, so your ankles will thank you for some support.
Once you reach Ali Pasha’s Bridge, I recommend exploring the area a bit. The walk across is a humbling experience (it’s much larger than it seems). The view from the valley floor is also a splendid one, and allows you to see the bridge’s magnificent arches.
There’s another trail on the opposite hill from where you start, don’t be shy to trek up it. It leads to some wonderful views of Gjirokaster Castle and some of Gjirokaster’s surrounding landscape.
If you’re in the area later in the afternoon, keep a lookout for any local sheep herders. They cross the bridge in the evening, so there’s a chance to snap a picture with a line of sheep walking across the old aquaduct.
Gjirokaster has so many amazing things to do, but this was probably my favorite. If you’re looking for something a little less known in the “City of Stone,” check out Ali Pasha’s Bridge!
