Another Albanian heritage site is under threat of destruction, this time the Zogu Bridge in the north of the country, according to the 7 Most Endangered List from Europa Nostra, supported by the European Investment Bank and the European Union
The bridge was built in 1927 during the reign of King Zog of Albania and is described as a “masterpiece of civil engineering” in early 20th century Balkans. The bridge has garnered attention due to its architectural structure, length, and the style of its steel arches. Most Endangered describes it as “an important achievement in the field of metal construction and concrete structures built over rivers in Southern Europe.”
Now one of the 12 most endangered heritage sites in Europe, the bridge was designed by German and Swiss engineers and it was constructed under the watchful eye of Albanian engineer Gjovalin Gjadri who used materials imported from Italy.
The bridge originally comprised of six arches but one was destroyed during World War II.
But, like many heritage sites in Albania, the bridge is under threat. Despite being designated as a Cultural Monument of the first category by the government, it has been poorly maintained and according to Most Endangered, “is in an advanced state of decay.”
“The structure is in danger of collapse due to damage to one of its columns, caused by the illegal replacement of gravel with soil on the Mat River bed,” the report states.
Two further bridges have been built over the River Mat which the King Zog Bridge straddles, therefore it is rarely uses. Tourists still visit the site due to its design and historic value.
Local people have started a petition to save the bridge and raise awareness of its current state. A petition, addressed to the Albanian government has amassed more than 3000 signatures and some protests have taken place.
In order to protect the cultural monument, Europa Nostra said interventions are needed to prevent further damage and support the existing columns. In addition, there needs to be a reduction of illegal activities that lead to the ongoing erosion of the Mat river bed.
The Advisory Panel of the 7 Most Endangered Programme commented: “The Zogu Bridge is officially a national monument but no maintenance has been carried out over many years, resulting in the fact that one of the piles has suffered a relevant subsidence and the entire bridge is facing a very high risk of collapse related to other secondary damages. Nevertheless, as long as the solution for its repair can be easily identified and implemented, if carried out soon, it would not need a big mobilisation of funds.”
The Advisory Panel emphasised: “The Zogu Bridge, being a masterpiece of civil engineering from the early 20th century in the Balkans, merits attention and care, which would result in definitively enhancing its striking values.”
Previously, the Albanian National Theatre was picked by Europa Nostra as the most endangered site in Europe. The Albanian authorities demolished it anyway just after 3am on the last night of lockdown in May 2020 while some activists who had been occupying the building, were dragged out by armed special forces units.
