After years of decay, one of the iconic bridges built by the master craftsman Kolyo Ficheto is ready to welcome tourists again. Its official reopening will take place on August 23.

The Byala Bridge was built over the Yantra River in 1865-1867 on the orders of Midhat Pasha, vali of the Danube Vilayet. Its construction was necessitated by the new road crossing the Yantra River at the town of Byala that connected Ruse, the main town of the Danube Vilayet, with Tsargrad, the capital of the Ottoman Empire.

Polish engineer Lyudmil Rola who was serving under Mithat Pasha requested 3 million groschen in order to build the bridge, whereas Kolyo Ficheto, the most famous master-builder from the Bulgarian Revival Period, agreed to construct it in exchange of 700,000 groschen.

• Architectural heritage of grand master Kolyo Ficheto

The bridge has now fully regained its authentic appearance. The famous sculptures of a nymph, griffin, lion and swan have been restored. Right next to it is an innovative exhibition centre where visitors can learn about the life of the famous native master craftsman Kolyo Ficheto. Do not miss the second floor, which offers an exceptional view of the bridge and the Yantra River.