The “Gorica” bridge is mentioned for the first time in the century. XVII from the Ottoman traveler Evlija Çelebi, from whom we learn that it was originally constructed of oak beams, which were placed on stone triggers. As a very important connecting node between the two parts of the city in the century. XVIII (1777), according to a note from a book of the church of Saint George, the bridge of “Gorica” was built with stone construction by the local ruler of the pashalak of Berat, Ahmet Kurt Pasha. In 1880 it was brought down by the numerous floods of Osum. The frequent interventions in its construction, until late in the 30s of XX century, have greatly transformed the monument from the original construction. But, to see the original form with arches and ridges, the engravings of foreign visitors from the beginning of the 19th century, such as Stokli and Krokell, are helpful, where the details that have been alienated are clearly visible. In today’s condition, the bridge of “Gorica” ” represents a bridge of the multi-arch type, with a flat span in the center and slopes at the entrance and exit. The length of the bridge reaches 127 m and consists of seven semicircular vaults, with light space from 6.7 m (first right-hand), up to 16.5 m maximum (second right). In all six legs there are large discharge windows and in five of them, above them are opened by two smaller windows. Of the 6 support legs, 5 of them are built with slits to help the water flow faster. In addition to its functional character, the “Gorica” bridge is also well known for the celebration of throwing the cross into the Osum River, every January 6, on the occasion of the Holy Water celebration.
Address: Berat
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