The German bridge in Stavropol is a legendary pre-revolutionary building, especially popular among lovers of beautiful photos, rock climbers and climbers. This is a real attraction of the Stavropol Upland, which is constantly visited by local residents and guests of the regional center, and the most daring tourists stay overnight in a tent - there is an area suitable for camping nearby.
The history of the appearance of the German bridge in Stavropol
In 1943, the City of the Cross was a major railway junction, which included 2 stations, freight stations and a railway (Tuapse), laid in three directions:
- to the west - Armavir;
- to the north - Caucasian;
- to the east - Petrovskoye (now the city of Svetlograd).
German engineers were engaged in the design, in fact, that is why the German bridge in Stavropol got its name. The construction of roads, as historians say, was carried out by Austrianand German prisoners of war. But this happened not during the Great Patriotic War, as most people think, but much earlier - from 1909 to 1917. However, even during the Civil War, a good part of the railways was destroyed. The rest was broken by the Germans themselves, however, they could not reach all the sections. So the German bridge remained in Stavropol - for history.
German bridge today
The design of the railway lines and the construction of the bridges necessary for it were carried out at the highest level. Looking at the architectural structure, you can’t say that it is already over a century old - the attraction is quite well preserved. It seems that the bridge will stand for several more centuries - it looks so “fresh”, despite the unfavorable relief of the Stavropol Upland. It was built from local shell stone without the use of concrete.
The German bridge in Stavropol is supported by five huge pillars, 20 meters in diameter. The structure is 18 meters high, 6 meters wide and 85 meters long.
Given the size of the bridge and its excellent state of preservation, the construction is very popular with experienced climbers and climbers who regularly organize competitions here. Tourists and photography enthusiasts also visit the attraction - against the background of a bridge located in the forest, very beautiful and unusual photos are obtained.
Is it true that there are several such bridges?
The Tuapse railway spread over an impressive territory, soThe German bridge discussed in this article is by no means the only surviving object. Some of them have already been almost completely or partially destroyed, others are still functioning. They are located in different districts of Stavropol and the region.
How many of them are left is unknown, and no one even counted. The most famous, although they have different names, but confusion still occurs. Most often, the German bridge is confused with the Novokavkazsky. This is not surprising. The Great Novokavkazsky Bridge is also German, as it was built by the Germans at the same time. But it is located in a completely different place - at the exit from the Verkhneegorlyksky farm. There is also the Small Novokavkazsky Bridge, located here.
On "Chapaevka" (Stavropol district) there is an abandoned Tashlyansky bridge, which the locals call "Turkish". But few people visit it because of the unremarkable territory around.
Until now, centuries-old buildings benefit the Stavropol residents, serving faithfully. For example, the existing bridges in the village of Tatarka and Zavodskaya Street. The most accessible for inspection is the Small German Bridge on the banks of the Elagin Pond.
Where is the German bridge in Stavropol and how to get to it?
Located in the Mamai forest, the German bridge is very beautiful at any time of the year. To visit the viaduct, you need to go along Kuibyshev Street, then, without turning anywhere, down Michurin Street, to the house of Andrey Razin (built of red brick and looks like a castle). At this intersection, turn right into theVolodarsky. Then go along the main. Having reached the Yelagin Pond, go around it on the left side and climb up towards the forest. Dacha cooperatives begin here, followed by the German Bridge tract. Home-made signs lead to it from the dachas, so it will be difficult to get lost.
The destruction of the Tuapse railway made Stavropol a dead end city, completely depriving it of the opportunity to develop in terms of food exports. On the other hand, the German Bridge and other sections were put out of action mainly due to the risk of landslides that occur on the Stavropol Upland. Nevertheless, nothing can be returned, but an important landmark remains, the age of which has already exceeded 100 years.
