The Dyavolski most (Bulgarian: Дяволски мост, lit.'Devil's Bridge'; Turkish: Şeytan Köprüsü) is an arch bridge over the Arda River in a narrow gorge. It is 10 km (6.2 mi) from the Bulgarian town of Ardino in the Rhodope Mountains and is part of the ancient road connecting the lowlands of Thrace with the north Aegean Sea coast. [1]

Dyavolski most

Дяволски мост
Devil's Bridge near Ardino, Bulgaria
Coordinates41°37′14″N 25°06′51″E / 41.620616°N 25.114210°E / 41.620616; 25.114210
Carriespedestrians
CrossesArda River
Localeclose to Ardino, Bulgaria
Characteristics
Designarch bridge
Total length56 metres (184 ft)
Width3.5 metres (11 ft)
Longest span13 metres (43 ft)
Clearance below11.50 metres (37.7 ft)
History
Construction start1515
Construction end1518
Openeduncertain
Location
Map

Dyavolski most was rebuilt between 1515 and 1518 by the Bulgarian Master Dimitar. Legend has it that the bridge was built by the Romans to link the Aegean Sea and the region of Thrace in Bulgaria. The bridge, the largest and best known of its kind in the Rhodopes, is 56 m (183.7 ft) long and has three arches, but also features holes with small semicircular arches for reading the water level. The Dyavolski most is 3.5 m (11.5 ft) wide and its main arch is 11.50 m (37.7 ft) high. A stone parapet, 12 cm (4.7 in) tall, is preserved on the sides, and breakwaters are placed opposite the stream.[1]

International long-distance hiking trail the Sultans Trail passes the bridge from Ardino to Kardzhali.

The bridge was proclaimed a monument of culture on 24 February 1984.[1]

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "Dyavolski Most (Devil's Bridge) – an Ancient Bridge over the Arda River – Town of Ardino". Official Tourism portal of Bulgaria. Archived from the original on 2015-02-27. Retrieved 2012-06-12.