The covered bridge in Lovech

This is the only covered bridge on the Balkans. The Bulgarian architect Kolyu Ficheto built the bridge over the Osam River in 1872 at craftsman Ismail’s request. Every inhabitant had to help in the construction and there was a payment to be made by the wealthy men. First the bridge was made from wood. It was 84 m long and had 6 openings and 64 small shops. Kolyu Ficheto himself made of stone three figures – a lion, symbolizing Bulgaria, an eagle, symbolizing Russia and a female torso representing the fertility. On August 2, 1925 the covered bridge burnt out. Today’s bridge was reconstructed after the design of architect Zlatev, who kept the support structure and the floor of the old one. Its exterior looks like the bridge of Kolyu Ficheto. Today it is 106 m long and there are 14 small shops in it. The covered bridge is the connection of the new part of the town and Varosha - the old one.