Zagnos Bridge

The interesting aspect of Zagnos Bridge is that it does not belong to a single period. The first foundations, dating back to the Roman period, are notable for their large block stones worked with a mortarless and interlocking masonry system. These traces can still be seen in the lower part of the bridge, especially from the downstream side. During the Byzantine period, repairs were made during the reign of Emperor Justinian, and additions such as a water channel were made to the bridge. During the Komnenos Kingdom, the central part was reorganized with a wooden drawbridge system.

After the Ottoman conquest in 1461, in 1467, Zaganos Pasha largely rebuilt the bridge as an arched, three-piered, two-eyed stone structure. A substantial repair in the 19th century ensured the bridge's survival to the present day.

The most talked-about detail of the bridge is that arch eyes from different periods can be seen in the same structure. The small round arch in the lower part, visible only from the downstream side, belongs to the Roman period; the larger round arch above belongs to the Byzantine period. To capture these two arches in the same frame, one needs to descend to stream level and look from the downstream direction. Traces of brick-arched discharge eyes and relief arches are also partially preserved.

The bridge is located in Trabzon city center, in the Ortahisar district, Gülbaharhatun Neighborhood. Access by city bus lines is easy: lines 121, 133A, 133C, 203C, and 501 pass near the bridge. The nearest stop is Emniyet stop, just a 2-minute walk away; Hamzapaşa Mosque stop is also similarly close. It is also possible to walk from hotels and accommodation points in the city center.

Zagnos Bridge is right next to the Ortahisar castle area. Around the same valley, there are remnants of Zagnos Bastion and the castle walls. This passage, located between Zindan Gate and İmaret Gate, is part of the natural route for those exploring the castle area. Tabakhane Bridge also has a similar historical function and is another nearby crossing point.

15-20 minutes is sufficient for the bridge itself, including examining arch details and taking photos. However, most visitors combine this with a visit to the Ortahisar castle area, in which case it can turn into a half-day walking route.

The bridge is still open to active vehicle traffic; its deck has been reinforced for this purpose and equipped with metal railings. Care must be taken with vehicle traffic while walking. The railings are not original, they were added later. Therefore, it is more accurate to think of the bridge not as a historical monument, but as a still-used city passage.