God's Bridge, Natural stone arch in Lilyache, Bulgaria
God's Bridge is a natural rock bridge in the Chirensko-Lilyashki karst region, about 15 km north of Vratsa. It is around 20 m high and 25 m wide, and the tunnel formed by the Lilyachka River is about 100 m long. Despite the singular name, it consists of two rock bridges, remains of a partly open cave in Cretaceous limestones.
God's Bridge was declared a natural landmark on 5 February 1964. The rock arches are the remains of a cave that formed in Cretaceous limestones; the Lilyachka River once flowed underground, and erosion opened the cave roof tens of thousands of years ago. Nearby, at Borovanska Mogila, are the ruins of a Roman-era fortress.
The alternate name Zhabokrek comes from the frogs (zhaba) that remain in the ponds under the arch when the Lilyachka River dries up in the dry months. The main name, God's Bridge, is used alongside Bozhite mostove (God's Bridges), although the formation actually consists of two rock bridges.
From Vratsa take the road toward Borovan; there is no sign for Chiren. After 5 km from the Vratsa sign, turn onto the Chiren road and continue 5.7 km, then turn left. The asphalt becomes concrete; keep right at the first fork. After a few hundred metres the track turns into a cart road, still passable by car, ending at a meadow with a restored Roman fort. From there walk toward the farthest tower, where the path to God's Bridge begins; the bridge appears after 2–3 minutes, and a further minute on the steeper path brings you beneath it, where benches and a fire pit are set up.
During dry summer months, frogs gather beneath the arch creating natural sounds that inspired the local name for this place. This seasonal gathering draws attention to the small creatures that depend on the water below the stone formation.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,630 contributors worldwide.