The Wonderful bridges

Chudnite mostove (The Wonderful Bridges) is a unique rocky phenomenon situated in the Central Rhodope Mountains, on the Aidarsko dere River. It occupies an area of 40.3 hectares and lies 80 km south of the Plovdiv City, and 35 km northwest of the Chepelare town.

There was a full river in this spot forming a cave, and due to relief activities, the river current leaving behind two incredible natural marble bridges dismantled the roof of the cave.

 

The upper bridge is 20 m thick, 15 m wide and 96 m long. It’s situated over an abyss of 43 m depth and 45 m width.

150 m below is the second bridge that looks like a 60m long tunnel. Its entrance is quite wide, but inside it becomes narrower. After the formation of the bridge the river disappears in the ground and 1.5 km past it the water comes up again.

The typical roses of the Rhodopes namely: (Haberlea rodopenzis) grow on the rocks in the bridges.

In 1949 the unique bridges were declared a protected area. Very close to the bridges is the Wonderful Bridges Chalet where tourists can relax and enjoy a splendid view. Not far away is another Chalet called Skalnite Mostove (the Cliff Bridges).