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Bridge · Haskovo · 75 m

Humpback bridge, Harmanli

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Sultans Trail - a European Cultural Route

Humpback bridge, Harmanli
Photo: Fidel.angelov, CC BY-SA, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:"The_Hunchback_Bridge"_-_built_in_1585.JPG#/media/File:"The_Hunchback_Bridge"_-_built_in_1585.JPG

The Humpback Bridge in Harmanli is a well-preserved Ottoman stone bridge dating from the 16th century. Built in 1585 across the former course of the Harmanliyska River, it is one of the most significant surviving examples of Ottoman civil engineering in the region. Although the river has since changed its course, the bridge remains an important historical landmark.

The bridge was constructed in 1585 under the order of the Ottoman administrator Siyavuş Pasha and is traditionally associated with the architectural influence of Mimar Sinan’s school, renowned for its mastery of proportion, durability, and elegant stone construction. Built of carefully cut stone blocks, the bridge features a characteristic humpbacked profile with a high central arch designed to allow river traffic and seasonal flooding to pass beneath it.

Historically, the bridge formed part of an important transport and trade route through the Maritsa River valley, linking inland Bulgaria with the wider Ottoman Empire. Nearby stood a caravanserai, believed to have been constructed over earlier Byzantine foundations, which served travellers and merchants; its remains are now located beneath the modern area near the Hebros Hotel parking site. A marble inscription on the bridge includes the well-known philosophical phrase: “The world is a bridge, across which the way of the king and the poor man passes.” Today, the structure stands preserved almost intact as a symbol of Harmanli’s layered historical landscape.

Author

Maria Veronese

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Sultans Trail - a European Cultural Route

Public transport

Harmanli is served by regular intercity bus connections from Sofia, Plovdiv, and Haskovo, as it does not have a railway station. The town’s central bus stop provides access to local streets and nearby landmarks. From there, visitors can reach the bridge on foot within a short walk through the town centre.

Directions

From Harmanli town centre, head towards ul. Marin Velev, which runs through the central urban area near the Harmanliyska River corridor. The Humpback Bridge is located along this street and is easily accessible on foot from Svoboda Square and nearby central points. Its elevated stone arch makes it visible from surrounding approaches within the town.

Parking

Parking is available in nearby streets and public parking areas in the centre of Harmanli, including spaces close to ul. Marin Velev. As this is a central urban location, parking availability may vary during peak hours. Visitors may also find additional parking near the river area and adjacent public facilities within walking distance of the bridge.

Coordinates

41.932081, 25.899776

DMS

41°55'55.5"N 25°53'59.2"E

UTM

35T 408784 4642820

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