SANAHIN BRIDGE

Type: Bridge
Location: In Alaverdi in the northern part of Armenia
Date: XIIth c.
Evidence for date:
Important details:
State of preservation: Good
Reconstuctions:
Summary:
Late 12th century Alaverdi, Soviet Armenia

The bridge near Sanahin monastery, important among Armenian secular monuments, is located in the town of Alaverdi in the northern part of Soviet Armenia (coord. 41-01/44-42).
The bridge was constructed at the end of the 12th century according to information given in an undated inscription on a xac'k'ar near the bridge on the left bank of the river. The inscription states that queen Vaneni, wife of king Abas, commissioned the bridge and had the xac'k'ar erected in commemoration of herself and members of her family. Since the king died in 1192, the bridge would have been constructed by the end of the 12th century (Harut'uynyan 1960).

The bridge is constructed of large dressed blocks of basalt stone which face the inner and outer sides of a lime mortar core. It measures approximately 60 m. in length with a semicircular arch opening of about 18 m. It is well-crafted, and executed according to the same quality and technique of construction as in Armenian church architecture.

Because of the lower elevation of the left bank in relation to the right, from the left bank, the edges of the bridge flanking the roadway are in the form of twelve step-like projections, which rise until they reach the center of the bridge. Cat figures are carves on the triangular shapes of the top steps. The rest of the bridge continues on a horizontal plane, curving to the left join the road leading to the monastery.

No information is reported regarding the interior areas aside from mention of a drainage system constructed beneath the roadway. Medieval Armenian bridges were often constructed with hollow areas in the supports in order to save materials and lighten the construction (Harut'yunyan 1960). These spaces, with windows in the facing walls, made it possible to enter the areas for inspection or repairs. This type of bridge, including steps, can also be found in other territories, from a much earlier period (2nd and 3rd centuries). (i.e.) See page 64 Sanahin (Ok. Khalpakchian) Moscow, 1973.

The span construction has remained intact for over 700 years. However, some restoration work on the masonry took place in 1928 and in 1939-1940. The abutment on the left bank was strengthened in 1928. In 1939-1940, the bridge underwent major restoration because of poor bonding of basalt to concrete which caused the facing stones to separate from the inner core. The blocks were removed, and subsequently places back into position. The restoration was less than successful, in part because no study was made of the original methods of construction or of the extensive drainage system within the walls under the roadway.

T'ORAMANYAN, T'., Nyut'er Hay Cartarapetut'yan Patmut'yan, Erevan II, 1948, 97.
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