Los puentes maravillosos, Chepelare Travel Guide

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.