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Sanahin Bridge: A Medieval Marvel

Marvel at the medieval Armenian engineering of the Sanahin Bridge in Alaverdi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning canyon views.

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The Sanahin Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a remarkable 12th-century stone arch bridge in Alaverdi, Armenia. Spanning the Debed River, it showcases exceptional medieval Armenian engineering and architecture. Once a vital link to Sanahin Monastery, it now serves as a pedestrian walkway, offering scenic canyon views.

A brief summary to Sanahin Bridge

  • 3MX5+H2W, Alaverdi, AM
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking across the bridge and exploring the surrounding area.
  • Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the architectural details and scenic views.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Sanahin Monastery for a comprehensive cultural experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Alaverdi, the Sanahin Bridge is easily accessible on foot. Follow the main road along the Debed River. The bridge is located near the Alaverdi Art Gallery. The walk is relatively short, offering scenic views of the Debed Canyon. There are no costs associated with walking to the bridge.

  • Public Transport

    Local marshrutkas (minibuses) travel throughout Alaverdi. Take Marshrutka #3 from the bus or train station to the Sanahin suburb, which will drop you off near the bridge. The fare is 100 AMD. Check local schedules for the most up-to-date timings.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Alaverdi. A short taxi ride from the city center to the Sanahin Bridge will cost approximately 500 AMD, with a base fare of 500 AMD and 100 AMD per kilometer. You can hail a taxi on the street or use a ride-hailing app.

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Discover more about Sanahin Bridge

The Sanahin Bridge, located in Alaverdi, Lori Province, stands as a testament to medieval Armenian engineering. Constructed in the late 12th century, likely around 1192, it is considered one of the most significant bridges of its time. Queen Vaneni, the sister of Princes Ivane and Zakare Zakarian, commissioned the bridge in memory of her late husband, King Abas Kyurikian. Built from finely hewn basalt stones and reinforced with lime mortar, the bridge features a single arch spanning 18.6 meters. Its total length is 60 meters, with a width of 3.3–3.5 meters at its center. The bridge's unique design accommodates the gorge's topography, with one bank significantly lower than the other. Four lion sculptures, emblems of the Kiurikians, adorn the corners of the parapet, symbolizing guardianship. Throughout its history, the Sanahin Bridge has undergone multiple restorations, with significant work in 1888, 1928-29, 1939-40, 1955, and 1976-77. Until the 1960s, it facilitated motor transport. Today, it is a pedestrian-only walkway and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its close cultural links to the Sanahin Monastery. The bridge is a symbol of Alaverdi, featured on the town's coat of arms, and is locally known as "The Stone Bridge". Despite facing threats from vegetation and floods, the Sanahin Bridge remains a resilient and enduring landmark.

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