Nine-Arch Bridge
Hajdú-Bihar
The Nine-Arch Bridge, known locally as Kilenclyukú híd, stands as the most recognizable symbol of Hortobágy National Park in Hungary's Great Plain. Constructed in a Classical style between 1827 and 1833, it was the longest stone road bridge in historic Hungary before territorial changes in 1921. The bridge spans 167.3 meters in length, with a 92.13-meter distance between its two abutments. Its design features nine arches and broader entrances on each side, facilitating the herding of livestock by funneling animals onto the bridge. The stone bridge replaced an older wooden structure built in 1697, which deteriorated due to heavy traffic and costly maintenance. The construction was based on the plans of Ferenc Povolny, selected after a public tender. The bridge played an important role in regional trade and animal herding, with Debrecen city authorities instituting a permanent toll guard to prevent evasion of animal tolls. Over the centuries, the bridge has undergone restorations, including major renovations in the 1980s and again in 2009 when it was part of the World Heritage site. Today, it remains a vital cultural landmark and hosts the annual "Hídi Vásár" fair, celebrating traditional crafts and the pastoral heritage of the region.
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Tip: Visit the Nine-Arch Bridge during the annual Hídi Vásár fair held every August 20th for an authentic cultural experience featuring traditional crafts. The best time to visit is late spring to early autumn when weather conditions are favorable. Advance ticket purchase is not required as the bridge is an open public site. However, guided tours of Hortobágy National Park can enhance your visit. Look for local discounts on regional tours and consider combining the visit with other park attractions.
Interesting facts
- •The Nine-Arch Bridge was the longest stone road bridge in historic Hungary before 1921.
- •Its broad entrances were specifically designed to ease the herding of livestock across the bridge.
- •The bridge's construction was one of the earliest known public procurement projects in Hungary.
- •A permanent toll guard was stationed on the bridge to prevent evasion of animal tolls by herdsmen.
- •The bridge is part of the Hortobágy National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
History
The original crossing at the site was a wooden bridge built in 1697, which suffered heavy wear due to intense traffic and required frequent repairs.
In 1825, the city of Debrecen decided to replace it with a durable stone bridge.
After a public tender, Ferenc Povolny's Classical style design was chosen, and construction began in 1827.
The project faced interruptions, including a temporary halt by the royal chamber in late 1827 requiring design modifications.
Construction resumed in 1828 and was completed in 1833, after which the wooden bridge was dismantled.
The Nine-Arch Bridge was notable as the longest stone road bridge in historic Hungary and facilitated livestock herding and trade.
It has been restored multiple times, notably in the early 1980s and in 2009, preserving its structural integrity and cultural significance.
Place Guide
The Nine Arches1827-1833
The defining architectural feature of the bridge, consisting of nine stone arches supporting the structure. These arches create a distinctive rhythmic pattern and contribute to the bridge's stability and aesthetic appeal.
Broadened Entrances1827-1833
The entrances on both ends of the bridge widen to form funnel-shaped openings. This design facilitated the herding of livestock onto the bridge by guiding animals smoothly onto the structure.
Stone Pavement1833
The bridge's road surface is paved with stone cobblestones sourced from a quarry near Tokaj. The paving was completed in 1833 after initial difficulties with material quality and transportation.
