Mirakë brings together bridge construction and the history of the Via Egnatia. Ura e Kamarës lies directly over the Shkumbin; near Mirakë, the old road leaves the river and climbs about 300 meters above the valley floor. This gives travelers two themes to explore: the history of the bridges’ construction and the surviving traces of an ancient route.
Bridges and Local History
Ura e Kamarës lies in Mirakë directly over the Shkumbin. According to the Turkish inscription on its stone plaque, it was built in 1715 by Ahmet from Elbasan. The bridge has five arched openings; its paved walkway is made of rounded river stones. It is listed in the cultural monuments register of Elbasan County under the location Mirakë. The five arched openings define the structure, while the rounded river-stone paving defines the walkway; this distinguishes the supporting structure from the walkable surface.
Ura e Haxhi Beqarit dates from the 2nd or 3rd century AD and connects the village of Mirakë with the Polis area. At Ura e Kamarës, the arched openings, river-stone paving, and inscription are the main features; Ura e Haxhi Beqarit can be understood through its early date and its connection between Mirakë and Polis.
Via Egnatia: Surviving Traces of the Road
The old Egnatia road survives along the upper reaches of the Shkumbin, particularly in the mountain areas of Librazhd between Mirakë and Qukës. Visitors can walk along the old road and see surviving fragments of the ancient route. Roman paving stones from the Via Egnatia survive near Mirakë. Overall, less than one percent of the Via Egnatia still has such Roman paving stones.
Near Mirakë, the Via Egnatia leaves the Shkumbin and climbs about 300 meters above the valley floor. A surviving section of Rruga Egnatia near Mirakë is about four meters wide in places and is still well paved. Trail conditions may change locally over time.
On the Via Egnatia section between Mirakë and Babjë, a 150-meter-long narrow passage is followed by a series of other short narrow sections. Exercise caution when hiking; check conditions before setting out. The width and paving details for a surviving section near Mirakë provide an additional point of reference when choosing which stretch to walk.
Staying Overnight in Mirakë
The Ahmet en Lirie Hoxha accommodation is located beside a bridge on the south side of the Shkumbin. Availability and arrangements may change; confirm them before arrival.
Guests may be referred to Hotel Ballkan Resort on the main road, one kilometer east of the bridge. Before arrival, check whether this referral is planned for your stay.
Discover more destinations: Tregan.
Go to the main travel overview: Elbasan County.
