Hapsiyaş Bridge is a covered bridge with stone piers, a wooden body, and an Ottoman-style tiled roof, built in 1935 over the Solaklı Stream in Bölümlü Neighborhood, Of district, Trabzon; it can be visited for free on the Uzungöl road.
Hapsiyaş Bridge, locally known as Kiremitli Köprü (Tiled Bridge), stands over the Solaklı Stream in Bölümlü Neighborhood, Of district of Trabzon. It was built in 1935 by Abdülaziz Sandıkçı; its piers are made of cut stone, and its body and railings are wooden. The two-sided hip roof covering it is covered with Ottoman-style tiles, which is why the bridge is generally called Kiremitli Köprü in the region.
It was registered as a monumental work in 1996 and restored to its original form in 2002. It is a single-span structure extending in an east-west direction. It's not a complex engineering feat, but only a few wooden covered bridges have survived in the Eastern Black Sea region. Its location on the Uzungöl route means that most visitors stopping here are already on that road.
Visitor comments frequently mention that the bridge is a good stop for photos, and that the sound of the stream and the wooden texture look beautiful together. Some comments complain that the surroundings are neglected and not a well-maintained area. Since the bridge is on the side of the road, traffic can be a bit disturbing, but it is possible to cross to the other side and walk. There are also small places nearby selling coffee, gözleme (Turkish flatbread), and homemade food.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Trabzon historical places, Sümela Monastery.
Guide's Note
When to Visit
Between late spring and early autumn, when the Solaklı Stream flows more abundantly, the area around the bridge is greener. In summer, the tourist density heading to Uzungöl also affects the bridge, with vehicle traffic increasing, especially in the afternoons. In winter, the region is quieter, but road conditions can be variable; it's advisable to check the road after snowfall.
How to Get There
From Trabzon city center, it takes approximately 40 minutes to Of district, and from there, continuing on the Bayburt Of Road towards Uzungöl, you reach the bridge in Bölümlü Neighborhood. If you are going by private car, there is a small area for parking on the roadside. Those going by public transport can take a minibus from Of to Uzungöl and get off at the bridge; just tell the driver, as it is a common stop, they usually stop.
How Much Time to Allocate
The bridge itself is a 15-20 minute stop. Half an hour is enough in total for taking photos, walking to the opposite bank, and eating gözleme at the small business next to it. Since it is on the route when going to or returning from Uzungöl, there is no need to plan a separate day; it can be considered part of the itinerary.
Route Suggestion
For those following the Of district and Bayburt Of Road when going from Trabzon to Uzungöl, Hapsiyaş Bridge is a natural stop. Leaving Trabzon in the morning, making a short stop at the bridge around noon, and continuing to Uzungöl in the afternoon is a logical sequence. The same route can be used on the return journey, so no extra detour is needed for those who wish to stop again.
Good Spots for Photos
A point frequently emphasized in visitor comments is that the true view of the bridge is best captured from the opposite bank. When passing by on the road, you only see one side, but when you cross to the other side and walk, the stone piers, tiled roof, and stream all come into the frame together. In the afternoon light, the red tone of the tiles appears more distinct.
Things to Pay Attention To
The bridge is directly on the side of the road, so it is necessary to pay attention to vehicle traffic when taking photos or walking. Some visitors state that the surroundings and the area around the bridge are not sufficiently well-maintained, and there is no organized picnic area or event space. It is a more realistic approach to see it as a short stop rather than expecting a crowded tourist attraction.
What to Eat
Small businesses right next to the bridge sell gözleme and homemade food. It is possible to eat classic Black Sea gözleme, accompanied by ayran or tea, while looking at the stream view. Don't expect a large restaurant; these are more like roadside vendor-type places.
FAQ
Updated:
