Dyavolski most, Ottoman stone bridge in Kardzhali Province, Bulgaria
Dyavolski most is an Ottoman stone bridge in Kardzhali Province, Bulgaria, that crosses the Arda River in three arches. The construction measures 56 meters (184 feet) in length and 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) in width, while the central arch rises 11.5 meters (38 feet) above the water surface.
Master Dimitar built the bridge between 1515 and 1518 under the reign of Sultan Selim I to link the Aegean Sea with the Thracian valley. In February 1984, the structure received official recognition as a monument of culture.
The structure takes its name from the daring shape of the main arch, which was difficult for travelers of the time to cross. Local hikers today use the flat sections of the deck to take photos of the river below.
The bridge sits about ten kilometers from Ardino town and is accessible via hiking trails, including the international Sultans Trail through the Rhodope Mountains. Visitors should watch for the narrow width of the deck and walk carefully during wet conditions.
The stones of the construction were interlocked without mortar and hold together solely through their weight and precise arrangement. Near the foundation, a stone slab with an engraved footprint can be seen.
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