Mirakë – Via Egnatia and Historic Bridges

Mirakë is associated with the ancient Via Egnatia and two bridges with different histories: Ura e Kamarës spans the Shkumbin, while Ura e Haxhi Beqarit connects the village with the Polis area. Visitors can also explore preserved fragments of the road and find specific information about trail conditions.

Historic Bridges in Mirakë

The Shkumbin flows directly beneath Ura e Kamarës. According to the Turkish inscription on its stone plaque, it was built in 1715 by Ahmet of Elbasan. Its five arch openings and walking surface made of rounded river stones give a concrete impression of its construction. The Cultural Monuments Register of Elbasan County lists Ura e Kamarës under the location Mirakë.

Ura e Haxhi Beqarit dates from a much earlier period: it was built in the 2nd or 3rd century AD. Its significance for local navigation also lies in the connection it provides: the bridge connects the village of Mirakë with the Polis area. Thus, the two bridges are notable for different reasons—Ura e Kamarës for its position over the river and its described construction, and Ura e Haxhi Beqarit for its early date and its connection to Polis.

Via Egnatia: Route and Trail Conditions

Near Mirakë, the Via Egnatia leaves the Shkumbin River and climbs about 300 meters above the valley floor. The old Egnatia road is preserved along the upper Shkumbin, particularly in the mountainous areas of Librazhd between Mirakë and Qukës. The transition from the river to the ascending route is a notable topographical indication of the route near Mirakë.

Visitors can walk along the old Egnatia road and see preserved fragments of the ancient route. Roman paving stones from the Via Egnatia have also been preserved near Mirakë. Overall, less than one percent of the Via Egnatia still has Roman paving stones like these; the remains near Mirakë are therefore part of a very small proportion of the preserved Roman paving.

The particularly well-preserved section of Rruga Egnatia near Mirakë is about four meters wide in places and remains well paved. There is another practical note for the stretch between Mirakë and Babjë: a narrow 150-meter passage is followed by additional short narrow sections; take care when hiking. As trail conditions can change locally, check them before setting out.

Accommodation and Location Details

The Ahmet en Lirie Hoxha accommodation is next to the bridge on the south side of the Shkumbin. Guests may be referred to Hotel Ballkan Resort, which is on the main road, one kilometer east of the bridge. The two locations are therefore distinct: one accommodation is directly next to the bridge on the river’s south side, while the hotel is farther east on the main road. Confirm availability and current referral arrangements before arrival.

Discover more destinations: Tregan.

For the broader travel overview: Elbasan County.