Dragot Bridge

The Dragotit Bridge is one of the most characteristic engineering works on the Vjosa River, built in the 30s and considered an important connecting node between Tepelena and southern areas such as Përmet and Gjirokastra. It is a metal bridge with steel beams, supported on two concrete piers at both ends of the river, without pillars in the middle of the Vjosa bed, which gives it a powerful and open view over the deep canyon. With a length of over 100 meters and a height of about 25–30 meters above the river, the bridge is designed to withstand the dynamic flows of the Vjosa and the mountainous terrain that surrounds it. For decades, it has served as a strategic traffic point, carrying the main weight of traffic in the area and connecting entire communities to the national road. Over time, due to long exposure to atmospheric conditions and the force of the river, the bridge has required restoration interventions, but it still remains a technical and historical symbol of the area. In addition to its practical function, today it is also a well-known tourist spot, as it offers magnificent views of the Vjosa River, the canyons and the characteristic landscape of the valley, making it one of the most famous and photographed bridges in southern Albania.