Stonebridge in Leles, Gothic stone bridge in Leles, Slovakia
Stonebridge in Leles is a Gothic stone structure spanning 70 meters across a former arm of the Tisa River, built from slate andesite quarried from the Chlmecké Hills. The bridge features the solid construction techniques typical of medieval engineering in this region.
Built in the 14th century, this medieval bridge formed part of a 17-kilometer route connecting Kráľovský Chlmec and Veľké Kapušany. It served as a key crossing point along a major travel corridor for centuries.
The bridge takes its name from Saint Gotthard, a veneration introduced by Premonstratensian monks from Bohemia who worked at the Leles monastery. This connection to religious life shaped how locals understood and valued this crossing point.
The bridge is accessible only on foot due to nature protection regulations, with a walking path open to visitors of all ages and abilities. This restriction helps preserve the surrounding natural environment while allowing close exploration.
This structure is the oldest bridge in Slovakia, now crossing a dry riverbed surrounded by natural vegetation where water once flowed. The shift in the river's path has left it as a testament to how landscapes change over centuries.
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