Stone bridge in Putim, Road bridge in Putim, Czech Republic.
The stone bridge in Putim is a river crossing constructed of dressed stone that spans the Otava River. It measures approximately 25 meters long and 6 meters wide, built from carefully fitted stone blocks that form a solid roadway.
It was built during the 13th century under the rule of Ottokar II of Bohemia, a period of significant infrastructure development. After its completion, the river course was redirected to flow beneath the finished structure.
The structure reflects the craftsmanship of its builders, visible in the careful stonework that visitors can observe as they cross. Walking over it connects travelers to a time when such construction required skill and planning across the river valley.
The bridge serves daily traffic as a direct road crossing, accessible to both pedestrians and vehicles without requiring detours. Visitors can walk or drive across freely as part of exploring the area around Putim.
Rather than building it over flowing water, the structure was completed first and then the river was channeled beneath it using medieval engineering methods. This reversed approach required careful planning and significant control over the water course.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.