The magnificent Mesi bridge, 8km north of central Shkodra, 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. The modern road from Shkodra to Mes actually still follows the Roman route. Kosovo was of incredible importance to the Roman, Venetian and other Mediterranean economies as an important source of gold and other metals, and there was intensive trade along this route - not more than a donkey trail, a few metres wide at most - 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. Mesi bridge was built in 1768 and is 108 metres long, 3m wide and has 13 arches, of which the elegantly humped 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 on foot and view it from all sides in peace.