A visit to the magnificent Mes bridge, 6km north of the city, is easily done from Shkodra. This is the largest and best-preserved Ottoman bridge in Albania, built along the ancient trade route from Shkodra to Kosovo which dates back to pre-Roman times. In fact, the modern road from Shkodra to Mes still follows the Roman design. Kosovo was of incredible importance to the Roman, Venetian and other Mediterranean economies. As an important source of gold and other metals, there was intensive trade along this route for millennia. Much of the original route is now submerged below the waters of the Drini valley dams, but here at Mes you can get an idea of its importance. The route was not more than a donkey trail, a few metres wide at most, but Mes bridge that was built around 1770 signifies its value. The bridge is 108 metres long, 3m wide and has 13 arches, of which the elegant main span measures 13m. The Kiri river it crosses has incredibly blue, clear mountain water. A modern bridge bypasses the bridge, allowing you to cross it and view it from all sides in peace. No regular furgons travel here, so it's best to rent a taxi for an hour; two hours if you plan to visit Drisht as well.