Why is it called Devil’s Bridge?

The Dyavolski Most (Devil’s Bridge), (also known as Sheytan Kyupriya) is a medieval bridge over the Arda river. It is situated in a picturesque valley about 10 kilometers northwest of the town of Ardino and 4 kilometers east of the village of Galabovo (municipality of Banite).
The bridge was built in 1515 – 1518 by the builder Dimitar from the village of Nedelino (which is a town nowadays) upon the remains of an ancient Roman bridge on the road, linking the Aegean region with Northern Thracian valley (Gornotrakiyski Nizina) through the Makaza pass.

The bridge is situated 420 meters above sea level and is surrounded on both sides by steep slopes. Its length is 56 meters, and its width is 3.5. The bridge has three vaults; it has holes with small arches in its side vaults, made for drainage. The height of the middle vault is 11.5 – 12 meters, with a stone parapet on the edge, 12 cm high.
In 1984, the bridge was declared a cultural monument. The bridge can be reached by car through a rough road. Tourist infrastructure had been built near it for picnic and recreation. 

His name Devilish is associated with the legends of its creation. Centuries ago, the bridge was shrouded in mysteries, which the people’s memory preserved and passed down for generations. Far back in time, the Arda River was turbulent and unruly, and its waters carried everything in their path. The locals repeatedly tried to build a bridge here, but the river destroyed it each time. Therefore, when the sultan ordered a bridge to be built, no one undertook to do so. Only one person – mouth (master) Dimitar from the neighboring village (now a town) Nedelino dared to take on the task. And despite the doubts and distrust of the people, he managed to build a bridge in just 40 days. He died soon after, and no one knew the secret of how exactly this happened.

The legend of the bridge

Legend has it that during the Ottoman rule in Bulgaria, one of the Turkish leaders in the area fell in love with a Bulgarian girl and decided to make her part of his harem. Realizing his intentions, she fled to seek refuge in the mountains.

So, running along the Arda River, she reached the bridge with the intention of jumping off it and drowning in the then turbulent waters of Arda river. The Turks rode after her and it was not difficult for them to catch up with her. Approaching the bridge, however, they stopped frightened. Right in the middle under the central arch in the waters of the river they saw a devilish reflection – the face and horns of the devil. Frightened, the Turks returned and the girl survived.

Satan saved this Bulgarian girl from certain death by appearing to the pursuing Turkish horsemen. Since then, the bridge has been called “Devil’s”.

If the Devil’s Bridge provokes your interest and you are inclined to believe (or at least think about) the mutual penetration between the earthly forces and those of the afterlife, give in to temptation and visit the place. 

The area around the Devil’s Bridge is a locality of the rare flower and a symbol of the Rhodopes – Silivryaka. The plant is protected and is included in the Red Book of Bulgaria. It grows in the cracks of rocks and in addition to its beauty is known for its unique ability to fall into imaginary death (anabiosis), to stay in this state for a long time (up to 31 months), then under suitable conditions to revive and fully restores its functions. 

The place is unique and we strongly recommend you to come to Bulgaria and see it with your own eyes! 

More to see nearby

Combine your Devil’s Bridge visit with a few more sights
Turn it into a memorable trip!

Location

Request a quote