Ashtarak Bridge

In the Middle Ages, bridges in Armenia were mostly built from natural stone such as basalt, tuff, limestone, and sandstone. One well-known example of this bridge-building tradition stands in Ashtarak, across the Kasagh River, and is known as the "old bridge."

History and features of the bridge

According to the 17th-century historian Arakel Davrizhetsi, the bridge was built in 1664 by Khoja Grigor, son of Motsakents Maghtesi. An inscription on the facade of the bridge, between the large and small arches (now plastered over), confirms this. The Ashtarak Bridge has three arches and stepped side walls, which give it a distinctive composition. It was built from tuff and carefully worked stone. In size, it is one of the largest bridges in Armenia, with a length of 76.2 meters, a width of 6 meters, and arch spans ranging from 7.5 meters to 11.4 meters.

Unique features and significance of the bridge

The Ashtarak Bridge is one of the finest examples of medieval bridge building and stands out for its particular construction method. Because of the difference in level between the right and left banks, the spans of the bridge are slanted. This bridge played an important role in the history of Armenia's trade links and in the movement of military forces.

The legend of the Ashtarak Bridge

There is a legend connected with the building of the old bridge in Ashtarak. During construction, the river kept washing away the stones laid in its foundation. After many failed attempts to strengthen the bridge, the elders advised the craftsmen and workers to change the site of the construction and wall up a living girl in the bridge's wall so that it would stand unshaken.

Interesting fact

Scenes from the series "Manyunya" were filmed on and under the bridge.