Adjara, in addition to picturesque nature, wonderful resorts, sea beaches, attracts with its ancient architecture, which makes it possible to travel into the past. This region is especially famous for its unique arched bridges, which are associated with interesting stories and legends. They have stood for more than one century: neither earthquakes, nor floods, nor various elements could destroy them.
Now about 28 arched bridges have been preserved in Adjara. Now they serve as a place for beautiful photos, walks, fishing or as a crossing. And on some bridges, thrill-seekers can get an unforgettable experience, as the bridges do not have railings even at high altitude. Which of them are worth seeing during your trip to Adjara?
Makhuntseti Bridge
One of the most famous arched bridges in Adjara is the Makhuntseti Bridge. It is located 30 km from Batumi, in the Keda municipality, near the Makhuntseti waterfall.
This arched bridge is very ancient; it was built around the 12th century on an important road to mountainous Adjara. It is an arc-shaped structure, which consists of mountain stones fastened with limestone mortar. Interestingly, the Makhuntseti bridge does not have additional supports. The length of the pedestrian part is about 29 meters, width – 2.5 meters, height – more than 6 meters.
Here, tourists can take beautiful photos with the bridge and waterfall in the background, as well as have a picnic in beautiful nature. Here you can also sunbathe on the local beach, swim in the river or jump off the bridge into the river. In spring, when the water level rises, it becomes possible to go rafting or kayaking.
Tskhemvan bridge
The Tskhemvan bridge, which is located near the Kintrishi gorge, in the village of Didvake, has a very interesting history of creation. It is located on the right side on an artificial stop, and on the left – on a rock.
There is a legend that the Tskhemvan bridge was built thanks to Queen Tamara. She was supposed to have a meeting, but a turbulent river flowed along her path. During the crossing to the other side, the queen dropped her shoes into the water, after which she issued an order to build a bridge here, which neither the river nor time would destroy.
As a result, the bridge has been standing for many centuries, since the 12th century. Now it attracts tourists who are interested in culture and history, as well as nature lovers.
Khutsubani Bridge
Khutsubani Bridge is considered unique in its appearance. It differs from other bridges as it has two arches and was built from basalt and reinforced concrete.
The Hutsubani Bridge was built in 1924 by the Italian architect Augustu Verzi.
Now it is used for fishing and as a crossing. You can also walk along the bridge and enjoy the surrounding nature.
Dandalo Bridge
An unusual stone arch bridge is located in the village of Dandalo. It was built from rocky stone of volcanic origin more than 9 centuries ago.
It has a width of 3.5 meters and a length of almost 20 meters. It has a thin arch, no handrails, so you need to be careful.
Not far from the Dandalo Bridge, you can have a good rest, admiring nature and ancient architecture. Also, visitors have the opportunity to swim in the river, which is located nearby.
Furtio Bridge
The Furtio arch bridge, which is located in Upper Adjara, on the road to the Skhalta gorge, has been well preserved to this day. The Adzharistskali River flows under it.
The building belongs to the IX-X centuries. It connected the old roads in the valley of the Skhalta River with the central road. The Furtio Bridge was the shortest caravan route leading to the sea.
It has a length of about 35 meters. Supports for it are natural stones, which are located on the sides of the bridge. Thanks to this design, the building has survived to this day, although it was destroyed more than once. For example, two centuries ago, a large flood occurred in this region, as a result of which large boulders carried by rough water were washed down the river. But the element that destroyed the slopes of the mountains, demolished everything in its path, could not destroy the Furtio bridge.
Now the bridge serves as a place that tourists who come to Adjara tend to visit. Not far from it you can see the monastery of Skhalta and the famous Khikhani fortress.
Tskhemlar bridge
In the Machakhela National Park, you can see the arched bridge of Tskhemlar, which belongs to the historical heritage of Adjara. It is semicircular, rather narrow, has no railings, and is used for pedestrian traffic. It is worth a visit for those who love thrills and have never navigated the river in this way.
The unusual decor on the Tskhemlar bridge is created by lichens and other plants that cover it. They appeared on the cobblestones due to high humidity. This view will leave a unique impression on those who visit this arched bridge.
Bridge Varjanauli
Another interesting ancient arch bridge is the Vardzhanauli Bridge, which is located 20 kilometers from Kobuleti in the forested river valley. It differs in its size and height, has a semicircular shape.
The bridge was built from hewn and rough stones and lime mortar. It looks good with beautiful plants that surround the river valley in the Kintrishi Reserve.
Mirveti Bridge
Those who love the combination of ancient architecture and beautiful nature should definitely see the Mirveti bridge, which is located in the village of the same name.
The bridge was built in the XI-XIII centuries. For him, natural rock served as a support, which saved the structure from destruction.
If you walk from the arched bridge along the path, you can enjoy beautiful views of the boxwood forest and a beautiful waterfall.
Khabelashvili wooden arch bridge
Adjara is known not only for stone bridges, but also for wooden ones. One of these is the arched bridge in the village of Khabelashvili. It was built to connect the villages of the Chvan gorge with Khulo about 300 years ago.
The Khabelashvili bridge is considered authentic, as it has a distinctive architecture and elements that were used in construction and roofing. It was built from such tree species as chestnut, oak, birch. And the roof over the bridge was first filled with clay, but in the last century it was made of tin. The bridge is 26 meters long and 1.2 meters wide.
Such a beautiful bridge is located in a very picturesque place, where there is a lot of greenery. Tourists who visit it seem to fall into a wonderful fairy tale.
A 500-meter path leads to the bridge, along which you can also get to the village of mills or to Lake Lelt, where you can have a picnic.
