Stambolov Bridge

Stambolov bridge in the city of Veliko Tarnovo was erected over the Yantra River in honor of the prominent resident of Tarnovo and notable Bulgarian statesman Stefan Stambolov. Built at the end of the 19th century, the bridge is 160 meters high above sea level and connects the central part of the city with the Sveta Gora hill. It offers an incredible view of the old part of Veliko Tarnovo.

The construction of the bridge was started in 1892 according to the project of the Italian architect Giovanni Mussuti, executed by the Viennese metal foundry company “Rudolph Philipp Wagner”, which built the Orel and Lviv bridges in the capital. The purpose of its construction was to shorten the road between the city, the railway station and Veliko Tarnovo University. The facility was unique in its kind for its time, consisting of two tunnels, two railways and one pedestrian bridge.

In the work on the construction of the bridge, the master-builder Stoyan Gerganov from Turnovo played a major role, he built a special wooden structure-scaffolding for the foundation of the structure.

Days before the bridge was completed and put into service, a horrific accident occurred during installation. The last metal arc to be placed flew from a height of 30 meters towards the river. Fortunately, the workers were able to escape as they watched in helpless horror as several tons of metal slid into the waters of the Yantra.

The Istanbul bridge is also known for the feat of the Bulgarian officer-pilot Petko Popganchev, who on May 24, 1932, with his DAR-1A plane, descended and passed under the arch, circled the city and landed on a meadow under Mount Kartala. To this day, no one has been able to repeat his flight, and legends say that the officer’s purpose was to declare his love for a local girl.

Today, the bridge is not only a popular tourist destination, but also a favorite place for thrill seekers. Teenagers turn it into a track for skateboarding, rollerblading and skating competitions, and bungee jumping into the 37-meter abyss is also gaining in popularity.

You are welcome to our guest house just 5km away from Stambolov bridge.