Mirakë: Bridges and Traces of the Via Egnatia

History

Mirakë is home to Ura e Kamarës, which, according to the Turkish inscription on its stone plaque, was built in 1715 by Ahmet from Elbasan. The bridge has five arches; its paved walkway is made of rounded river stones. Ura e Kamarës is also listed in the register of cultural monuments of Elbasan County with Mirakë given as the location.

A second historic connection is Ura e Haxhi Beqarit. The bridge dates from the 2nd or 3rd century AD and connects the village of Mirakë with the Polis area.

Nature

The Shkumbin River flows directly beneath Ura e Kamarës in Mirakë. In the upper reaches of the Shkumbin, the old Egnatia Road has been preserved, particularly in the mountainous areas of Librazhd between Mirakë and Qukës. Near Mirakë, the Via Egnatia leaves the Shkumbin River and rises approximately 300 metres above the valley floor.

Paths

Visitors can walk along the old Egnatia Road and see preserved fragments of the ancient route. The preserved section of the Rruga Egnatia near Mirakë is approximately four metres wide in places and remains well paved. Roman paving stones from the Via Egnatia have also been preserved near Mirakë. Overall, less than one percent of the Via Egnatia still has such Roman paving stones.

A special restriction applies to the section of the Via Egnatia between Mirakë and Babjë: after a narrow section 150 metres long, further short narrow sections follow. Caution is required when hiking. The information about preserved surfaces and varying path widths is therefore among the different features that characterize this section of the ancient route.

Accommodation

The Ahmet en Lirie Hoxha accommodation is located next to the bridge on the southern side of the Shkumbin. Guests may also be directed to Hotel Ballkan Resort on the main road; it is one kilometre east of the bridge. Included services, individual price components, and the applicable booking and cancellation conditions can likewise be compared. Take your time reviewing the available offers and pay attention to which conditions are explicitly stated as binding in each case. This keeps different options readable according to the same criteria, without making additional assumptions about facilities, costs, proximity, or suitability for the trip. Regardless of these location references, visitors comparing hotel and accommodation offers can pay attention to several clearly stated points: Does the exact location match the desired place name, and what type of accommodation is specified? Also check the intended occupancy, included services, and individual price components. Booking and cancellation conditions may also vary depending on the offer. Anyone opening or comparing offers can read these fields directly alongside one another and identify differences. The specific conditions stated for each offer remain decisive. It is essential that every item is stated clearly and bindingly.

Other destinations: Tregan.

To the broader travel overview: Elbasan County.