Sanahin Bridge

The Sanahin Bridge spans the ravine of the Sanahin stream at the point where it joins the Debed river. Built in the 12th century and attributed to Queen Vaneni, wife of the Zakarian prince Ivane, it is a single pointed arch of basalt blocks, 18 metres long, spanning a gorge 10 metres across. The arch is perfect. The basalt is covered in lichen. You can still walk across it, as people have done for 800 years.

The bridge is one of only three medieval bridges in Armenia in continuous use. Most medieval Armenian bridges were either destroyed (by war, earthquake, or vandalism) or abandoned when roads were rerouted. Sanahin Bridge is still the primary foot connection between Sanahin village above and the lower path to the Debed riverside. Herders moving livestock between pastures still cross it. Locals on their way to the lower fields still use it.

Standing on the bridge, you look down through the arch at the Sanahin stream rushing 15 metres below. The water is clear enough to see the riverbed stones. The sound of the water amplifies under the arch. The gorge walls on either side close in so narrowly that you can touch both walls simultaneously if you stretch your arms.

Most visitors to Sanahin Monastery walk past the turnoff without realising the bridge is there. Getting to it: from Sanahin Monastery complex, walk 200 m downhill on the main path toward the Debed, turn right at the ravine edge, descend the stone steps. The bridge is 10 minutes on foot from the monastery gates. It's worth the detour.