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Los Puentes Maravillosos: A Natural Wonder

Discover the breathtaking Los Puentes Maravillosos near Chepelare: majestic natural bridges sculpted by time and legend in the Rhodope Mountains.

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Los Puentes Maravillosos, or the Wonderful Bridges, are a stunning natural rock formation in the Rhodope Mountains near Chepelare, Bulgaria. Once a cave carved by the Erkyupriya River, the collapsed sections have created majestic marble bridges, attracting visitors with their unique beauty and the legends surrounding their creation.

A brief summary to Los puentes maravillosos

  • Chepelare, BG

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes as the terrain around the bridges can be uneven and steep.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning views and unique rock formations.
  • Consider packing a picnic to enjoy amidst the picturesque surroundings.
  • Check the weather forecast before your visit, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From the center of Chepelare, head southeast on Ulitsa Vasil Levski. After approximately 1 kilometer, turn left onto Ulitsa Tsar Ivan Asen II and continue for about 3 kilometers until you reach the area near Los puentes maravillosos, located at 4877 Chepelare. Park in designated areas nearby. Parking availability may be limited during peak season.

  • Public Transport

    Take a local bus from the Chepelare bus station towards the direction of the bridges. Ask the driver to drop you off at the closest stop to Los Puentes Maravillosos. From there, walk south on Ulitsa Tsar Ivan Asen II for about 10 minutes to reach the attraction. Ensure you check the bus schedule for return trips. A single bus fare should cost around 1-3 leva.

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Discover more about Los puentes maravillosos

Los Puentes Maravillosos (The Wonderful Bridges) are a remarkable natural landmark located in the western Rhodope Mountains, approximately 35 km northwest of Chepelare. Situated in the karst valley of the Erkyupriya River at 1450 meters above sea level, these rock formations are also known as Skalnite Mostove (The Rock Bridges). These natural bridges are the remnants of what was once a single cave, formed by the erosive power of the river. Over time, parts of the cave collapsed, leaving behind the impressive marble bridges that can be seen today. The large bridge stretches nearly 100 meters in length and boasts three arches, the largest of which soars to 45 meters in height and 40 meters in width. About 200 meters downstream, you'll find the smaller bridge, which is impassable, measuring 60 meters long and 50 meters in total height, with an arch of 30 meters. A third, very small bridge exists as well, forming a ponor cave where the Erkyupriya River disappears underground, only to resurface again 3 kilometers away. Local legend tells a tale of a dragon that terrorized the shepherds of Zabardo village, devouring their flocks. The shepherds eventually devised a plan to defeat the dragon by sending a donkey loaded with tinder, which they set on fire, into the dragon's lair. The dragon swallowed the donkey, and the burning tinder caused it to thrash wildly, eventually collapsing the cave and forming the Wonderful Bridges. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes due to the uneven and steep terrain. The bridges can be reached via a walking path from Orehovo to Zabardo.

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