Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Kolyo Ficheto's bridge in Byala has been restored

Photo: BTA

After years of decay, one of the iconic bridges built by the master craftsman Kolyo Ficheto is ready to welcome tourists again. Its official reopening will take place on August 23.

The Byala Bridge was built over the Yantra River in 1865-1867 on the orders of Midhat Pasha, vali of the Danube Vilayet. Its construction was necessitated by the new road crossing the Yantra River at the town of Byala that connected Ruse, the main town of the Danube Vilayet, with Tsargrad, the capital of the Ottoman Empire.


Polish engineer Lyudmil Rola who was serving under Mithat Pasha requested 3 million groschen in order to build the bridge, whereas Kolyo Ficheto, the most famous master-builder from the Bulgarian Revival Period, agreed to construct it in exchange of 700,000 groschen.


The bridge has now fully regained its authentic appearance. The famous sculptures of a nymph, griffin, lion and swan have been restored. Right next to it is an innovative exhibition centre where visitors can learn about the life of the famous native master craftsman Kolyo Ficheto. Do not miss the second floor, which offers an exceptional view of the bridge and the Yantra River.

Photos: BTA


Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Metropolitan Gregory of Vratsa

Metropolitan Gregory of Vratsa: Christ must be welcomed

In anticipation of the Nativity of Christ, the Orthodox Church opens its doors for today's divine services, heralding the fulfillment of the mystery of the Incarnation. "Let us experience the Nativity of Christ during the solemn services, so..

published on 12/24/24 10:33 AM

On Christmas Eve we look ahead with hope

Christmas Eve is one of those quiet family holidays, filled with hope for the future. At the border between the past and the present, Orthodox Bulgarians gather to welcome the days to come. Traditionally, the table on Christmas Eve is simple and..

published on 12/24/24 5:05 AM

Orthodox Christians mark the Dormition of St. Naum of Ohrid

Today, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church commemorates St. Naum of Ohrid. Naum was a medieval Bulgarian scholar and writer. He was born around 830 and died on December 23, 910. He was of noble origin but he left everything and followed the Slavic..

published on 12/23/24 6:10 AM