Sanahin Bridge: A Medieval Marvel

The Sanahin Bridge, located in Alaverdi, Lori Province, stands as a testament to medieval Armenian engineering and architectural prowess. Constructed in the late 12th century, likely around 1192, the bridge was commissioned by Queen Vaneni, the sister of Princes Ivane and Zakare Zakarian, in memory of her late husband, King Abas Kyurikian. This period marked a cultural and architectural revival in the region following its liberation from Seljuk rule. The bridge is built from finely hewn basalt stones and reinforced with lime mortar. It features a single arch with a span of 18.6 meters (61 feet). The total length of the bridge is 60 meters (200 feet), with a width of 3.3–3.5 meters (10.8–11.5 feet) at its center. The bridge rises approximately 13.5 meters (44 feet) above the water level. Its unique design incorporates the challenging terrain of the Debed River gorge, with one side of the bridge sitting significantly lower than the other. The four corners of the bridge's parapet are adorned with high reliefs of lions, symbolizing guardianship. These lions are considered emblems of the Kiurikians. Throughout its history, the Sanahin Bridge has undergone several restorations, particularly in the late 19th and 20th centuries. Until the 1960s, it was used for motor transport, but it is now a pedestrian-only walkway. The bridge is a national monument protected by the state and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, along with the nearby Sanahin and Haghpat Monasteries. It is considered the longest-surviving bridge in Armenia that has remained nearly intact since its construction. Despite facing threats from vegetation overgrowth and recent flooding, the bridge has largely withstood the test of time, a testament to its sturdy design and enduring construction.