Ura e Tabakëve (Tanners' Bridge), Tirana

Ura e Tabakëve (Tanners' Bridge), Tirana

The Tanners' Bridge, located in Tirana, is a symbol of the city's Ottoman heritage. Built in the 18th century, this stone footbridge was an integral part of Tirana's economic and social life, originally forming part of the Saint George Road. This road connected Tirana to the eastern highlands, facilitating the transportation of livestock and agricultural goods into the city center. Adjacent to the Tanners' Mosque, the bridge played a crucial role in the daily activities of traders and craftsmen, especially those involved in butchery and leather tanning, locally known as "tabakë."

The name "Tanners' Bridge" comes from its proximity to the area where butcher shops and leather workshops flourished, benefiting from the resources provided by the Lanë stream. For many years, the bridge facilitated crossing over the Lanë, supporting the local economy and social life until the 1930s when the stream was diverted, leading to the neglect of the bridge.

The restoration of the Tanners' Bridge in the 1990s marked an important moment in Tirana's efforts to preserve its historical sites. This restoration, part of the broader "Ethnography in movement" project, not only restored the bridge's structure but also improved its surroundings. The careful restoration work included cleaning the original stones, exposing the bridge's foundations, and creating artificial ponds on both sides, transforming the bridge into a pedestrian pathway while honoring its historical significance.

Future plans for the area, as outlined by the municipality of Tirana, include a reassessment of its historical significance and the development of pedestrian-friendly zones extending from the bridge to other significant historical landmarks. This initiative reflects the city's goal of integrating cultural heritage with modern urban development.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Tirana. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Ura e Tabakëve (Tanners' Bridge) on Map

Sight Name: Ura e Tabakëve (Tanners' Bridge)
Sight Location: Tirana, Albania (See walking tours in Tirana)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Tirana, Albania

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Create Your Own Walk in Tirana

Creating your own self-guided walk in Tirana is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Tirana Introduction Walking Tour

Tirana is Albania's largest city. It is also the country's center of culture and government. Though the city itself was founded by the Ottomans in 1614, its history goes back to earlier times.

The Romans settled in the area that would become Tirana in the 3rd century. The Byzantine Emperor Justinian I built a castle that has some remnants left for tourists to see today. Tirana Castle,...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
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The people of Albania lived in a Communist state from 1976 through 1992. The country was ruled by one party, the Party of Labor of Albania. Dictator Enver Hoxha held power over the country and established a Stalinist-style of administration.

Citizens were oppressed by the secret police, known as the Sigurimi. They would spy on anyone who they believed to be an enemy of the state. Those who were...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles