Satani bridge, Natural arch in Tatev, Armenia.

Satani bridge is a natural arch made of travertine that spans across the Vorotan River and reaches several dozen meters in width. The formation emerged from mineral-rich water sources and sits within a gorge containing caves and water pools.

The travertine arch grew over centuries from deposits left by hot mineral springs of about 250 °C that rise directly beneath it; the springs still flow into the Vorotan, adding 500–600 litres a day to the river. The arch rests on stalactites, many of which visitors have broken. In earlier times wealthy Armenians bathed in the cave pools under the arch during the summer months.

Tradition holds that anyone who passes beneath the arch will live a happy life. In summer, wealthy Armenians once came to the cave under the bridge to bathe in the hot mineral water, and small pools built where the old basins stood are still used for healing. The highway from Goris to Tatev crosses the arch.

Visitors can reach the mineral water pools beneath the bridge via stairs, and parking areas are available near the swimming locations. It makes sense to bring comfortable shoes and swimwear, as the site invites bathing.

The hot springs beneath the arch reach about 250 °C and pour 500–600 litres a day into the Vorotan, tinting the gorge walls pink, yellow and green. Local people still bathe in small pools built where old basins once stood, and tradition holds that anyone who passes under the bridge will have a happy life.