Devil's Bridge

The Dyavolski Most crosses the Arda in a wooded gorge near Ardino, built between 1515 and 1518 on the road from the Aegean into the Rhodopes, a stone bridge of three arches with the central span about twelve metres high and a rising cobbled deck, and it is among the best preserved Ottoman bridges in Bulgaria. Its name comes from local stories, and a further tradition holds that a face appears in the reflection of the central arch under certain light. The gorge holds mist in the early morning through much of the year, which is when photographers come, and the water is clear and green. The approach is a rough track and then a walk down to the river, and there is nothing at the site itself.

Highlights

• A three-arch Ottoman bridge - built between 1515 and 1518.
• The rising cobbled deck - the original surface over the central span.
• Morning mist in the gorge - the condition photographers time it for.
• Clear green water below - the Arda running under the arches.

When to go

April to October, and early morning for the mist, which is the reason most people come. Half a day including the drive and the walk down. The track in is rough. Autumn colour in the gorge is good.

Things to know

The track to the trailhead is rough and ordinary cars struggle. The walk down and back up is steep. There are no facilities. The mist is weather-dependent and often absent. Litter at the riverside is a problem.

Nearby

Ardino is north; the Arda runs east toward Kardzhali.

Key facts