Halil Rıfat Pasha Bridge is a diagonal arched stone bridge from the Ottoman period, located on the old Sivas-Malatya road in Kangal, Sivas, and admission is free.
Halil Rıfat Pasha Bridge stands on the old Sivas-Malatya road, in the Kötünün Hanı hamlet of Yeşilkale Village, which is part of the Kangal district. It was built by Halil Rıfat Pasha, the Sivas Governor of the period, and dates back to the last century of the Ottoman Empire. It is constructed from cut stone, has a single arch span, and is 10.50 meters long.
What makes the bridge unique is its arch arrangement. Since the direction of the stream flowing beneath it is not perfectly perpendicular to the road, the arches were built not straight but diagonally (skewed). This was an advanced engineering solution for its time, requiring 15 separate arches to be arranged diagonally on two piers. Its width is 3.80 meters, its height up to the keystone is 4.15 meters; the measurement up to the top of the parapet is 1.75 meters.
According to observations shared by those familiar with the region, the bridge is still not widely known, and the information sign is inadequate. This makes it a destination to be discovered on its own, away from the crowds.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Sivas historical places, Hafik Lake.
Guide's Note
Best Time to Visit
Since the bridge is outdoors, by the stream, choosing the right season is important. In spring and autumn, the stream level is moderate, and the surroundings are green. It can also be visited in summer, but avoiding the midday heat and preferring morning or late afternoon hours will make for a more comfortable trip. In winter, it's advisable to check road conditions beforehand, as the Kangal countryside is affected by snowfall.
How to Get There
Kangal is approximately 90 kilometers from Sivas city center. After reaching Kangal, continue towards Yeşilkale Village on the old Sivas-Malatya road; the bridge is located in the Kötünün Hanı hamlet. Public transportation is not practical; going by your own car or a rented car from Kangal is the most sensible option. There may be a lack of signage along the way, so saving the coordinates beforehand will make your job easier.
How Much Time to Allocate
The bridge itself is a small structure, and 20-30 minutes is sufficient. However, while in Kangal, it's more logical to combine it with other stops in the region (such as Kangal Fish Spa) to create a half-day itinerary. Going and returning just for the bridge means a long journey, so planning with other nearby points makes more efficient use of time.
Suggested Itinerary
Starting from Sivas city center, you can first visit the Kangal district center, then proceed towards Yeşilkale Village. After visiting the bridge, heading to the region's well-known stop, Kangal Fish Spa, will make your day more fulfilling. The distance between the two points is not great, and they can easily be combined within the same day.
Photography Tips
The main detail to see on the bridge is its diagonal arch arrangement. To capture this, you need to look at the bridge from a side angle, at stream level, rather than from above. Only from this angle can you clearly see how the arches interlock. For lighting, afternoon hours can be preferred as they highlight the shadows in the stone texture.
Things to Pay Attention To
According to observations shared by visitors to the region, the information sign for the bridge is damaged, and there is insufficient signage in the area. Therefore, it is important to clarify directions beforehand. Also, there is no tourist infrastructure (cafe, information point, etc.) in the vicinity, so it would be beneficial to bring water with you. Since the bridge is a historical structure, avoid climbing on it and putting weight on it.
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