Tailors’ Bridge
A magnificent 15th-century stone arch bridge, built by the Tailors' Guild, and considered one of the finest and best-preserved examples of Ottoman bridge architecture in Kosovo.
Accessibility Notes: Fully walkable; low railings; best visited during daylight and dry weather
Architecture: Features 11 asymmetrical stone arches.
Photo Op: Morning/late afternoon sun highlights the arches and river reflections.
History: Built by the powerful Tailors' Guild (Esnafi i Terzive).
Directions: 5 km south of Gjakova on the old road to Prizren.
Getting There: Located in the village of Bishtazhin, about 5 km west of Gjakova. Reachable by car, taxi, or bike; parking available nearby
Open Hours: 24/7.
Terrain: Flat deck, cobblestones.
Wheelchair: Accessible but potentially bumpy.
Location: Bishtazhin Village, near Gjakova.
Last update
Jan 4, 2026
The Story
The Terzi Bridge was built in the late 15th century by members of Gjakova’s Terzi guild, a community of tailors who played a vital role in the city’s artisan economy. The bridge connected their workshops in Gjakova to the surrounding villages, facilitating trade and movement across the Erenik River.
Constructed from hewn stone, the bridge features three arches, with the central arch spanning the widest section of the river. Its design reflects Ottoman engineering principles: symmetry, durability, and minimal ornamentation. The cobbled surface and narrow width suggest it was built for foot traffic and pack animals, not carts.
The name “Terzi” comes from the Turkish word for tailor, highlighting the guild-based origin of the bridge. It’s one of the few surviving examples of guild-funded infrastructure in Kosovo, and its preservation speaks to the enduring legacy of Gjakova’s artisan class.
In recent years, the bridge has been restored and protected as a cultural monument. The surrounding area remains quiet and pastoral, with views of the river, village homes, and distant hills. It’s a popular spot for photography, picnics, and heritage walks.
For visitors, the Terzi Bridge offers a peaceful encounter with history where stone and water meet in quiet testimony to craft and community.
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