Yavşan Bridge is a free-to-visit Ottoman-era stone bridge spanning a stream near Giresun, Turkey, featuring a single rounded arch with carved niches and recently restored masonry.
Yavşan Bridge stands over a small stream that flows into the Aksu River, at the Yağmurca Village turn-off on the Giresun-Dereli highway. There is no inscription indicating who built the bridge or in what year. Therefore, its exact history is unknown, but its construction technique and stone masonry point to a typical Ottoman-era bridge.
This is a single-arched, round-arched structure. The arch stones are of similar size, cut rectangularly, and arranged in one vertical and two horizontal rows on the downstream and upstream facades. There are two barbican niches on each side of the arch intrados, square-shaped and carved close to the springing level. The material usage is also layered: fine ashlar stone in the arch, rubble stone in the spandrel walls, and cut stone in the parapets. A section of the parapets was originally rubble masonry but was later renovated with cut stone.
There is a wing wall on the upstream side, and the top of the arch slightly protrudes outwards, surrounded by a narrower relieving arch. The deck slopes from the keystone to both sides and is paved with rubble stone. It was recently restored and is currently in good condition but closed to vehicle traffic. This means you can only see and cross the bridge on foot.
Guide's Note
Best Time to Visit
Since the bridge is an open-air area, it can be visited all year round, but spring and summer are the periods when the stream flow is more visible and the surrounding greenery comes alive. In winter, snowfall and road conditions can be challenging in the inland parts of Giresun; this should be taken into account when heading towards Dereli. In autumn, a comfortable visit is possible both in terms of temperature balance and scenery.
How to Get to the Bridge
From Giresun city center, follow the highway towards Dereli. When you reach the Yağmurca Village turn-off, the bridge will appear a short distance away, over the stream. Public transport is not practical; going by private car or renting a car is the most reasonable option. Since the bridge is closed to vehicle traffic, you need to walk the last section.
How Much Time to Allocate
The bridge itself is a small structure, and can be thoroughly explored and photographed in about 20-30 minutes. However, since you've come all this way, it makes more sense to combine it with other natural attractions in Giresun, such as Kuzalan Waterfall and Blue Lake, to create a half-day nature itinerary. Traveling a long distance just for the bridge might not be very efficient.
Suggested Itinerary
Starting from Giresun city center and heading towards Dereli, you can first stop at Yavşan Bridge to explore the bridge and the surrounding stream bed. Afterwards, continuing on the same route to other natural stops like Kuzalan Waterfall or Blue Lake will allow you to make the most of your day. If you plan to go to the plateau areas, it is necessary to check vehicle conditions and road conditions beforehand.
Good Spots for Photography
The angle looking down the stream bed from under the arch clearly shows the bridge's round arch form and barbican niches. Shots taken from the corner with the wing wall on the upstream side also reflect the bridge's stone texture well. In spring, when the stream water is abundant, taking photos with the flowing water adds dynamism to the composition.
Things to Pay Attention To
The bridge is closed to vehicle traffic, so you need to park your car nearby and walk. The ground by the stream can be slippery in rainy weather, so it's advisable to wear appropriate footwear. There is no tourist infrastructure (such as toilets or sales points) in the vicinity. You need to take care of your needs beforehand.
About the Bridge's Structure
Yavşan Bridge is a masonry structure, single-arched and round-arched. Fine ashlar stone was used in the arch, rubble stone in the spandrel walls, and cut stone in the parapets; there are barbican niches on opposite sides of the arch intrados, which are typical details of period bridge architecture. The bridge, recently restored, is generally in solid condition today.
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