Aqueduct of Ali Pasha, Tepelenë

Bridge and Historic Site in Tepelenë

Ali Pasha Aqueduct Bence Tepelene
Ali Pasha Aqueduct Bence Tepelene
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Scheuerslow

Set above the Bença River just north of Bença village, the Benca Aqueduct is one of those roadside landmarks that makes you brake instinctively. A long line of stone arches spans the valley, and even in its partially rebuilt form, it still has that unmistakable Ottoman-era confidence: practical infrastructure designed with a real sense of proportion.

The aqueduct sits about 2 km north of the village of Bença, in the wider Kurvelesh approach from Tepelenë, and it's an easy stop to add to a mountain day. For many travelers it becomes one of the top sights in Tepelenë, especially if you're planning a walking tour of Tepelenë and want a scenic detour that adds context to Ali Pasha's story beyond the castle walls.

History and Significance of the Benca Aqueduct

The Benca Aqueduct was built in the 19th century during the era of Ali Pasha of Tepelenë, designed to supply fresh water to the Castle of Tepelenë. In a mountainous region where reliable water access shaped settlement and security, this was not just an engineering project but an essential piece of infrastructure linking the Bença valley to a strategic stronghold.

Its design is remembered for a long run of stone legs and arches, a statement of craftsmanship as much as function. Over time, however, nature had its say: an earthquake in the 20th century damaged the structure, and while later rebuilding kept the aqueduct’s presence in the landscape, it did not preserve the original shape and refinement.

Today, the aqueduct’s significance is twofold. It’s a visible reminder of how power and logistics worked in this part of southern Albania, and it’s also a quietly photogenic landmark that rewards travelers who look beyond the headline attractions and into the valleys that connect them.

Things to See and Do in the Benca Aqueduct

Start by walking the roadside viewpoints and taking in the rhythm of the arches from different angles. The best way to appreciate it is to move a little: one position shows the full sweep across the valley, while another brings out the texture of the stonework and the differences between older and rebuilt sections.

If you enjoy pairing sights with scenery, treat the aqueduct as a gateway stop into the Bença valley. The surrounding landscape is part of the experience, with river sound below and steep slopes framing the structure, making it feel less like an isolated monument and more like a piece of the terrain.

For a fuller mini-route, combine it with nearby river and canyon scenery, then loop back to Tepelenë for sunset views and a castle visit. It's the kind of stop that doesn't demand a huge time commitment, but it adds a satisfying layer to the day.

How to Get to the Benca Aqueduct

The Benca Aqueduct is in the Bença valley, roughly 2 km north of Bença village and a straightforward detour from Tepelenë if you're heading toward Kurvelesh villages. In practice, most travelers reach it by road from Tepelenë, stopping briefly before continuing deeper into the valley or returning to town.

The nearest practical airports are Tirana International Airport (TIA) and Ioannina National Airport (IOA), with Corfu International Airport (CFU) also useful if you're coming via the southern coast. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Tepelenë on Booking.com.

From Tirana and other major towns, buses and furgons run toward Tepelenë and Gjirokastër, and from Tepelenë you can continue by local taxi or arranged transport if you don't have your own vehicle.

There is no convenient train service for reaching Tepelenë or the Bença valley, so plan around buses and road transport instead.

By car, it’s an easy stop along the SH4 corridor through southern Albania, and you can usually pull over safely near the viewpoints for a short walk and photos. If you are looking to rent a car in Albania I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Benca Aqueduct

  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours
  • Best time to visit: Late afternoon is ideal for softer light on the stone and a more dramatic valley backdrop, especially if you're combining it with a sunset return to Tepelenë.
  • How long to spend: Plan 20-40 minutes for a satisfying stop, longer if you want to explore viewpoints and nearby river scenery.
  • Accessibility: It’s mostly a roadside viewpoint experience with uneven ground near the edges, so sturdy shoes help and step-free access is not guaranteed.
  • Facilities: Expect no on-site facilities, so use cafés and restrooms in Tepelenë before or after your stop.

Where to Stay Close to the Benca Aqueduct

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself centrally in Tepelenë around Lord Byron Square so you can walk to restaurants and sights in the evening; if your trip's focus is broader heritage and museum time, Gjirokastër makes a stronger base and you can visit the aqueduct as a scenic half-day loop.

In Tepelenë, Tepelena Center Hotel is a convenient pick for being right in town and easy to pair with evening strolls. If you prefer a quieter stay with views and a more homely feel, Panoramic View House is well-placed for an early start into the valley. For a road-trip style stop with straightforward parking and quick access back to the highway, Hotel Auto Grill Roberti can be a practical option.

Is the Benca Aqueduct Worth Visiting?

Yes, particularly if you enjoy places that feel rooted in the landscape rather than staged for tourism. The aqueduct is quick to see, easy to combine with other stops, and memorable precisely because it’s an everyday-looking structure with an extraordinary setting and story.

It's also one of those stops that makes the region feel more coherent. Once you've seen Tepelenë Castle and the surrounding valleys, the aqueduct helps you understand how the area functioned, not just how it looked.

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

This is an easy win for families because it’s a short stop with a big visual payoff, and you can keep the visit as brief as attention spans require. Stick to safe viewpoints, hold hands near edges, and treat it as a quick “wow” moment before moving on.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Pair it with a relaxed drive through the Bença valley and plan your visit for golden hour when the stone warms up in the light. It's a simple, low-effort stop that feels intimate and scenic, especially if you follow it with dinner back in Tepelenë or Gjirokastër.

Budget Travelers

Because it's a roadside landmark, it fits neatly into a budget itinerary without adding extra costs or planning. Combine it with other free nature stops nearby so the driving day feels full, then base in Tepelenë for better-value stays compared with peak-season coastal prices.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.8 (152)

Aqueduct of Ali Pasha in Bënçë, Albania, is a peaceful, well-preserved hillside aqueduct set in mountain scenery; visitors note easy parking and a paved trail that stays usable in wet weather, with a small goat path beyond the structure leading along the cliff and down to the river for bathing, plus great hiking and seasonal rafting opportunities in the surrounding valley.

Leo Bleeker
4 months ago
"Very old Bridge of Ali Pasja. Beautiful❤️. We were the only ones. Take your time for a walk. There is a parking place. Peaceful and quiet andunspoiled...."
Dave Proffer
2 months ago
"Easy parking, good paved trail, even in the rain. Impressive work of engineering!"
Lucas Isdahl
5 months ago
"Easy parking, nice spot, even a small goat trail past the aqueduct that leads to some tu els through the cliffside."

FAQs for Visiting Benca Aqueduct

Getting There

It’s in the Bença valley, about 2 km north of Bença village, on the approach routes that lead from Tepelenë toward the Kurvelesh area. It’s best treated as a roadside stop with short walks to viewpoints.
Most visitors park near the closest safe roadside area and walk a few minutes to the best viewing angles. The terrain can be uneven, so take it slowly and avoid edging too close to steep drops.
The simplest approach is a short drive or taxi ride into the Bença valley, then a brief stop for viewpoints and photos. If you’re relying on local transport, arranging a return time with a driver is usually the most reliable plan.
Parking is informal and depends on where you find a safe pull-in, rather than a designated lot. Driving is worth it because it lets you time the light and combine the aqueduct with other valley stops.

Tickets & Entry

It’s an open-air landmark rather than a managed attraction with ticket desks or indoor exhibits. Think of it as a scenic heritage stop you visit independently.
No advance booking is typically needed because visits are self-guided. The only time you’d need to plan ahead is if you’re joining a private driver day or a guided valley route.
The main rule is common sense around edges and loose ground, especially after rain. Keep noise down and leave no trace, as it’s a local landscape rather than a fenced site.

Visiting Experience

A focused 15-20 minutes is enough to see the best angles and appreciate the scale. If you like photography, add extra time for walking to a couple of viewpoints.
Yes if you’re already driving through Tepelenë or heading into the valley, because it adds context with minimal detour. If you’re staying put without transport, you may prioritise Tepelenë Castle and town viewpoints instead.
A strong pairing is Tepelenë Castle plus a river or canyon viewpoint in the Bença/Vjosa area. That mix keeps the day balanced: one heritage stop, one landscape stop, and a relaxed return for food.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Most town-centre walking routes focus on the castle and central viewpoints, so the aqueduct is more often a short drive add-on. If you want it in your itinerary, plan it as a separate stop before or after your town walk.
If you’re interested in Ali Pasha-era history and want deeper context, a local guide can add value by tying together the castle, valley routes, and infrastructure story. For most travelers, a self-guided stop is perfectly satisfying.

Photography

Yes, especially for wide shots that show the full run of arches against the valley. It photographs best when you include the river landscape to give scale.
Late afternoon often gives softer light and better contrast on stone textures. Midday can be harsh, but it can still work if you focus on structure details rather than big panoramas.
The classic shot is from a slightly lower viewpoint where you can see multiple arches stepping across the valley. Walk a few minutes along the roadside to find the angle that shows both the aqueduct and the river line beneath it.

Accessibility & Facilities

You can usually see it from roadside viewpoints with minimal walking, but surfaces can be uneven and not purpose-built for accessibility. If mobility is a concern, aim for the closest viewpoint and avoid any steep paths.
Facilities are not guaranteed near the aqueduct itself. Plan to use services in Tepelenë before you drive into the valley.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Tepelenë is the most convenient place for a proper break, with more choice and easier parking. If you’re heading deeper into the valley, bring snacks because options can be limited between villages.
If you’re eating locally, look for simple grilled dishes and seasonal salads that suit a road-trip day. The best meals often come from small, family-run places where the menu is short and freshly made.

Safety & Timing

It’s generally better in daylight because viewpoints and roadside pull-offs are easier to manage safely. If you visit near sunset, keep your stop brief and stay alert to traffic and low visibility.
Drier conditions are usually better because rocks and soil near edges can get slippery. After rain, stick to the safest viewpoints and avoid scrambling for “just one more angle.”

Nearby Attractions to the Benca Aqueduct

  • Tepelenë Castle: A hilltop fortress with river views that helps place Ali Pasha's era into a wider regional story.
  • Bença Canyon: A scenic stretch of valley landscapes where short stops and viewpoints turn the drive into a highlight.
  • Uji i Ftohtë (Cold Water) in Tepelenë: A refreshing riverside spring area that's ideal for a quick pause and photos.
  • Bektashi Tekke of Bença: A dramatically sited religious complex above the valley that pairs naturally with the aqueduct stop.
  • Progonati Waterfall (Peshtura Waterfall): A striking double-drop waterfall in the Kurvelesh area that makes a rewarding day extension if you have time.

The Aqueduct of Ali Pasha appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Tepelenë!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!

Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours

Price:

Free.

Address: Aqueduct of Ali Pasha. Bënçë, Albania
Tepelenë: 3 km

Nearby Attractions

Similar Blogs