Kurcaj Bridge

History and Background

In the absence of definite historical resources, scholars believe that the Kurçaj Bridge was built in the XVIII century, when many new bridges were built across Albania to connect major trade centers. It is located on the Zeza River in the village of Kurçaj and was a part of an early caravan route between Kruja and Tirana through Mukje and Zallherri. In 1984 the bridge was declared a national monument of the first category and is protected as a historical evidence of engineering achievements of its time. Today, the bridge is a historical and cultural heritage site connecting local hiking routes and can be visited on foot only. The bridge has suffered a vast damage in the earthquake of 2019, and its restoration through the EU4Culture programme was finalized in early 2023.