Four months of intensive reconstruction and renovation work on Gjakova’s Tanners’ Bridge have been completed.

The bridge is an example of Ottoman architecture, completed in 1751. Local craftspeople built it using materials sourced from the surrounding area.

According to historical accounts, the idea came from a group of leatherworkers who saw the bridge as a way to transport their products more easily to Thessaloniki, Greece.

The renovation included electrical infrastructure and bridge lighting, a promenade and pedestrian crossings, stone treatment of the riverbank, lighting throughout the park, and murals.

The work was undertaken through the United Nations Development Programme’s “Inter-community Dialogue through Inclusive Cultural Heritage Preservation” project, funded by the EU Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace.

Over the preceding 18 months, the project completed 16 components, restoring and renovating cultural and religious heritage sites across Kosovo.

This component also received funding from the Municipality of Gjakova, strengthening the partnership with local authorities.