Old Bridge of Dezful
The Old Bridge of Dezful is located near the city of Dezful in South Western Iran. This bridge connects the western and eastern part of the city of Dezful.
Coordinates: 32.3816°N 48.3908°ECoordinates: 32.3816°N 48.3908°E
Crosses: Dez River
Locale: Dezful, Iran
Official name: Sasanid Bridge
Heritage status: Listed as national cultural heritage since 1932
Design: Roman arch bridge
Material: Stone
Total length: 385.5 m (1,265 ft)
Width: 9.5 m (31 ft)
Height: 15 m (49 ft)
No. of spans: 14
History:Construction start: 260 AD-Construction end: 260 A
The old Dezful Bridge was constructed during the Sassanid era, and accounts for one of the ancient bridges in the world. At present this bridge connects Dezful and Andimeshk cities. It has been repaired several times during the reign of Azedodowleh Daylami, the Safavid, Qajar and early Pahlavi periods.
The bridge currently has four large arches, and between every two of these is a smaller arch. Near the bridge, remnants of ancient mills can be observed.
History
The design of the bridge in its current state is 1700 years old and goes back to the Sassanid dynasty, however the original foundation of the bridge was built during the Elamite era.The current bridge was built by the order of the Sassanid king, Shapur I, using seventy thousand Roman prisoners of war. The bridge has been repaired and rebuilt over the years by King ‘Adud al-Dawla, Saffavid and Pahlavi dynasties.
Since year 2010, motor vehicles are no longer permitted to use the bridge, because of its historic value.
