Justinianus (Bağ) Bridge

The Justinianus (Bağ) Bridge was built in the 6th century AD by order of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I over the ancient Cydnus River of Tarsus, now known as the Berdan River. The structure had two main functions: to protect the region from frequent floods and to secure the trade route connecting Anatolia to the Mediterranean coasts.

The transit tax called 'bağ' collected from merchants crossing the bridge gave the structure a second popular name in addition to its official one. This tax practice shows that the bridge was not only a transportation structure but also a part of the economic system of the period. The bridge, which continued to function throughout the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods, has reached our day as an important architectural heritage reflecting the layered history of Tarsus.

Tarsus's Mediterranean climate makes the bridge suitable for visiting for most of the year. In July-August, the weather can be quite hot and humid; preferring morning hours during this period will ensure a more comfortable visit.

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the most suitable periods for both sightseeing and photography. The water level of the Berdan River rises in spring, and the view of the bridge over the river becomes much more impressive during this season.

The bridge is located in the Tarsus district on Fevzi Çakmak Street, near the Tarsus entrance of the Adana-Ankara highway. There are regular bus and dolmuş services from Mersin city center to Tarsus; after reaching Tarsus, you can access the bridge by urban transport.

For those coming by private car, its proximity to Tarsus city center makes finding parking relatively easy. Since it is approximately a 30-35 minute drive from Adana, it is also a practical stop for visitors coming from Adana.

The Justinianus Bridge can be a natural part of a route you prepare to explore the historical fabric of Tarsus. There are many worthwhile places to see in the city, such as Cleopatra's Gate, the Tomb of Prophet Daniel, the Old Mosque (Makam Mosque), and the Tarsus Museum.

You can visit the bridge immediately after your arrival in Tarsus and then walk to the city center to explore the historical texture step by step. It is possible to comfortably complete all these points in a single day.

The best photos of the bridge are taken from the bank of the Berdan River. From this angle, both the stone arches of the bridge and the reflection of the river enter the same frame. In the morning hours, the light angle particularly highlights the texture of the structure.

You can also take photos from the bridge itself; from this point, it is possible to get shots looking in both directions of the river and at the surrounding greenery. For those who want to capture the historical stone masonry up close, detail photography also yields very fruitful results.

Tarsus hosts many local restaurants offering the flavors of Mersin cuisine. It is not difficult to find local delicacies such as tantuni, içli köfte, and şalgam suyu in the city center near the bridge. Tantuni is Mersin's most well-known dish; you will encounter it on every corner in Tarsus.

Small artisan restaurants around the historical bazaar offer both affordable and local taste options.

Since the bridge is an open historical structure, no ticket or permit is required for a visit. As the structure is located near an active road route, attention should be paid to the surrounding traffic.

The stone surfaces of the bridge can become slippery in wet weather; we recommend choosing appropriate footwear. Considering that it is a historical heritage site, avoid behaviors that could damage the structure and its surroundings.