Buna Bridge

The Buna Bridge, also known as the Old Buna Bridge, is one of the special sights and cultural monuments in the vicinity of Shkodra. This historic bridge has a rich cultural and architectural depth, built in 1889 with the funds of the Ottoman government. The project was carried out under the direction of the Turkish engineer Ali Bey and was a joint effort of the Governor of Shkodra, Qazim Pasha, and the Mayor of the time, Bektash Kazazi.

The bridge has a special technical characteristic, using cement legs connected to iron beams and planks for laying its upper part. The construction of the Buna Bridge was carried out in a period when technology and architectural styles were changing, and this construction represents this era well.

Originating from a difficult period for this region, the bridge has followed a rich history. At first, the opening and closing of the bridge had a protective function against the Montenegrin danger. The mechanism for opening and closing the bridge was built manually. Over time, the function of the bridge changed, being later used for the movement of boats from the Buna River to Shkodra Lake and vice versa.

There are several different versions and interpretations about the design and construction of the bridge. One version mentions that the bridge was designed by the Seemering-based Firma Gridl, headed by engineer Ignaz Gridl, and the construction was carried out by the Austrian firm P.e M. in the style of the time. This indicates an external influence in the creation of this structure, using the technology and knowledge of Austro-Hungarian engineering of the time.

The old bridge of Buna has been declared a category II cultural monument, a well-deserved title for the historical and architectural values it presents. In 2011, with the construction of the New Buna Bridge, the old bridge is now allowed for pedestrian use only, thus preserving its historical character and making it an important tourist destination in the Shkodra area.