Red Bridge, Stone bridge in Kentron District, Armenia
The Red Bridge is a structure made from red tuff stone that spans 80 meters across the Hrazdan River and stands about 11 meters high. It is supported by four arches, with the two central ones featuring a distinctive curved shape, while the two outer arches meet the riverbanks.
A bridge existed here since the 12th century, carrying caravans into the city and linking Yerevan Fortress with the Ararat Plain. The 1679 earthquake destroyed it, and it was rebuilt in 1680, as recorded in a marble inscription whose initial letters give the Islamic year 1035. Russian engineers repaired it in 1850, and after the 1945 Bridge of Victory it was abandoned until restoration began in 2023.
The bridge's alternate name, Khoja-plav bridge, honours a wealthy merchant from Kanaker who paid for its reconstruction. A marble plaque once set on the right side recorded the work and named master Han-Karim, who laid the foundation and died before it was finished. The opening letters of the plaque's final phrase give the year 1035 in the Islamic calendar, i.e. 1680.
The structure is easy to reach on foot from central Yerevan and lies near several other points of interest. It is best explored during daytime when light brings out the red color of the stone to its best advantage.
A marble plaque once fixed to the right side of the bridge records its construction under Shah Abbas and the master Han-Karim; the initials of the inscription's final phrase give the year 1035 in the Islamic calendar, corresponding to 1680. The bridge was restored in 2025 after works begun in 2023, funded by a private investor.
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