site.btaCovered Bridge of Lovech: Symbol of Resilience and Craftsmanship

The Covered Bridge in Lovech, Bulgaria, is more than an architectural structure - it is a symbol of resilience, local identity, and enduring craftsmanship. Its story spans nearly two centuries and reflects the spirit of the town and its people.

The first known reference to a covered bridge in Lovech comes from French traveler Ami Boue, who visited the region between 1837 and 1838. He described a stone bridge adorned with shops - a rare and remarkable feature. In 1848, a new wooden bridge was built on stone foundations, but it was repeatedly damaged by floods and finally destroyed in 1872.

Determined to restore their vital connection across the Osam River, the citizens of Lovech appealed to regional authorities. Eventually, the task fell to Bulgaria’s most celebrated master builder, Kolyo Ficheto. Construction began on July 2, 1874.

Ficheto designed a bridge that combined structural strength with functionality and artistic flair. Built primarily of oak and beech wood, the bridge measured 84 meters long, 10 meters wide, and 7 meters high. It rested on five stone pillars engineered with multiple openings to reduce resistance from the river's current. Most impressively, the bridge housed 64 small shops, a café, and even a barber's shop, creating a vibrant commercial hub above the water.

Ficheto also adorned the bridge with symbolic sculptures: a lion for Bulgaria, a double-headed eagle for Russia, a female bust with fruit symbolizing fertility, and a stick with a mace representing the Ottoman Empire’s former dominance. An 1897 flood swept away these sculptures, and in 1925, the bridge itself was destroyed by a fire.

A design competition was held in March 1926, and the winning project Reka 8 was developed by architects Todor Zlatev and Dimitar Koev, alongside engineers Hristo Tenekiev and Vladimir Dimitrov. Despite setbacks, including a river flood in 1929 that destroyed parts of the construction, the Ministry of Public Works approved a more modern design by young architect Stefan Olekov.

The new bridge was completed in May 1931, housing 40 workshops for cobblers, leatherworkers, and other craftsmen. This version stood strong for half a century.

In August 1980, the bridge underwent a major renovation. It was transformed into a pedestrian zone, with only 10 retail spaces replacing the previous 40 shops. The original arched concrete frames were preserved, and underfloor heating was installed. The renovated Covered Bridge was officially reopened on September 9, 1982.

In 2005, the Lovech Municipal Council decided to establish the bridge as a Street of Crafts. Today, it is home to six artisan workshops specializing in woodcarving, leather goods, jewelry, textile art, knitting, and icon painting.