Malan Bridge, Gandhara Travel Guide

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Discover the historic Malan Bridge in Herat, a centuries-old architectural marvel on the ancient Silk Road, connecting cultures and eras.

Malan Bridge, or Pul-i-Malan, is a historic bridge located about 12 km south of Herat, Afghanistan, connecting the Injil and Guzara districts [3, 4]. Built around 1110 AD during the Seljuk dynasty, it has been a vital link across the Hari River for centuries [3, 4, 7].

A brief summary to Malan Bridge

75PR+HGW، Unnamed Road, Herat, AF
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Malan Bridge.

Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs and to avoid the midday heat [7].
Combine your visit with other historical sites in Herat, such as the Herat Citadel and the Great Mosque, to fully appreciate the region's cultural heritage [7, 9].
Engage with local residents to experience the pulse of the city and gain insights into daily life in Herat [7].

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Explore Malan Bridge on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Malan Bridge, mapped for you.

Getting There

Taxi

From central Herat, taxis are readily available. A taxi ride to Malan Bridge, approximately 12 km south of the city, will take around 20-30 minutes. Expect to pay between 1350 AFN to 1650 AFN for the trip [5, 6, 15]. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey [5, 6].
Public Transport

Local buses travel from Herat to areas near Malan Bridge. In the absence of designated bus stops, it is best to ask locals about the bus routes and stops. The cost is minimal, but the journey may involve a 15-20 minute walk from the drop-off point to the bridge [8, 11].

Discover more about Malan Bridge

Malan Bridge, historically known as Pul-i-Malan, stands as a testament to Herat's rich past, gracefully arching over the Hari River [4, 7]. Constructed around 1110 AD during the reign of Seljuk Sultan Ahmad Sanjar, the bridge has served as a vital artery for trade, communication, and cultural exchange [3, 4].Legend says mythical princesses Bibi Nur and Bibi Hur, followers of Zoroastrianism, built the bridge around AD 900. They mixed eggshells with clay, creating a resilient structure [3, 4, 7, 13]. The bridge originally featured 17 arches, but now has 22 due to reconstructions [4]. It stretches 230 meters long, 8 meters wide, and 10 meters high, constructed from baked bricks and concrete [3, 4].Throughout its history, Malan Bridge has faced numerous challenges, including floods and wars [4]. It was partially destroyed during the Soviet-Afghan War, but was rebuilt in 1995 by the Danish Committee for Aid to Afghan Refugees [3, 4]. Today, Malan Bridge stands as a symbol of resilience and a testament to the enduring spirit of Herat [4, 7]. Visitors can stroll across its ancient stones and take in the views [7].