Old Bridge, Stone arch bridge in Svilengrad, Bulgaria.
This Ottoman-era stone bridge spans 295 meters across the Maritsa River with multiple arches, featuring a 6-meter width and an 18-meter longest span that demonstrates classical architectural engineering techniques from the 16th century.
Commissioned by Ottoman vizier Çoban Mustafa Pasha and designed by renowned architect Mimar Sinan, the bridge was completed in 1529 during the reign of Sultan Suleiman I as part of a larger infrastructure complex including caravanserai and mosque facilities.
The bridge represents Ottoman architectural influence in Bulgaria and served as a meeting point for traders, travelers, and locals throughout centuries, symbolizing cultural exchange and connectivity between different regions of the former empire.
Visitors can walk across the 295-meter stone structure year-round to enjoy views of the Maritsa River, though caution is advised during wet conditions when sections may become slippery on the ancient stone surface.
Despite Ottoman forces attempting to destroy it during the 1912 First Balkan War to prevent Bulgarian troop advancement, the bridge sustained only minor damage to a few stones, demonstrating its exceptional structural integrity.
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