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Pompeus Bridge: Echoes of Roman Engineering in Mtskheta

Discover the submerged history of Pompeus Bridge in Mtskheta, a silent witness to Georgia's ancient past and Roman engineering.

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Pompeus Bridge, also known as Pompey's Bridge, is an ancient Roman bridge site near Mtskheta, Georgia, bearing witness to millennia of history. Though mostly submerged today, the visible remains offer a glimpse into the engineering prowess of the Roman Empire and its strategic importance in the region.

A brief summary to Pompeus Bridge

  • RPQ4+HF7, Mtskheta, GE

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the surrounding area has uneven terrain.
  • Explore nearby historical sites like Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery for a fuller experience of Mtskheta's heritage.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Shota Rustaveli Square in Mtskheta, head southeast on the main road (A1). Walk for about 600 meters until you reach the intersection with King Mirian Street. Turn right onto King Mirian Street and continue for 300 meters. At the T-junction, turn left onto Kheivani Street. Follow Kheivani Street for approximately 400 meters; signs will lead you to Pompeus Bridge near the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers.

  • Public Transport

    From Mtskheta bus station near the main square, take a marshrutka (minibus) heading towards Jvari village. Ask the driver to stop at Pompeus Bridge. The ride takes 10-15 minutes. From the bus stop, walk towards the river, following signs to Pompeus Bridge, about a 10-minute walk. The marshrutka fare is approximately 1-2 GEL.

  • Taxi

    From the center of Mtskheta, a taxi to Pompeus Bridge is a short ride. Taxis are readily available, especially near the main square. Negotiate the fare beforehand, but expect to pay around 5-10 GEL for the short trip.

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Discover more about Pompeus Bridge

Pompeus Bridge, or Pompey's Bridge, whispers tales of ancient empires and bustling trade routes in Mtskheta, Georgia's former capital. Built possibly as early as the 4th-3rd centuries BC, the bridge is named after the Roman commander Pompey the Great, who campaigned in Iberia in 65 BC. While some believe Pompey initiated its construction, the bridge likely predates his arrival, already serving as a vital link along international trade routes. Originally constructed with stone abutments and a wooden span, the bridge facilitated the movement of Roman legions, Byzantine military units, and Arab traders across the Kura River. It endured countless invasions, from Mongols to Ottomans, standing as a silent observer of Georgia's tumultuous past. In the 4th century, King Vakhtang Gorgasali restored and expanded the bridge, adding defensive towers and improving its flood control system. Today, the bridge's remains are largely submerged due to the construction of a hydroelectric power station in 1926. However, when the river level drops, fragments of the ancient stone masonry emerge, offering a tangible connection to the past. These remnants stand on the river's right bank, a testament to ancient engineering and a reminder of Mtskheta's strategic importance. A visit to Pompeus Bridge provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in history and appreciate the enduring legacy of this ancient crossroads. As part of the Historical Monuments of Mtskheta, Pompeus Bridge is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although partially hidden beneath the waters, the site continues to attract history enthusiasts, archaeologists, and photographers seeking to capture the essence of ancient Georgia.

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