Kale Bridge is located in Kale Village in Çamlıhemşin district of Rize province and is located at the intersection of Hala Creek and Fırtına Creek. This historical bridge dating back to the 18th century was built by Ballıoğlu Mehmet Usta. The bridge, which stretches in the north-south direction, is a classic masonry arch bridge with one eye, two supports and round arches.

^{Castle Bridge (Photo: Ahsen Güneş)}

Architectural Features

Rubble stone and cut stone were used together in the bridge structure. While cut stone was preferred in the arch and railing sections, rubble stone material was used in other structural areas. There are bollards at the entrance of the bridge, which is entered in a curved way through a step from the south. There are niches on the piers.

Length: Approx. 45 meters

Width Approx. 2 meters

Direction: East-West and North-South schematic extension

The Castle Bridge, which has been used for many years in accordance with its construction purpose, is not actively used today. It has the status of a registered cultural building with the inventory code TR.ANT.53.051.043.

Origin of the Name

The bridge was named "Kale" after a story told by the locals. During a storm, the nearby Holco Bridge collapsed and when the current piled all the logs on this unnamed bridge, the bridge was named "Kale" by the people. My son, hold on..." the bridge did not collapse and was named "Kale" by the people.

The Master's Cemetery and Testament

The graves of Ballıoğlu Mehmet Usta and his son are located next to the bridge. The master's will is as follows: "You will not put hammered stones on my grave!" Therefore, the grave was built with natural stones collected from the stream.

Hala Stream and Geographical Context

According to rumors, Hala Creek, which gives its name to the bridge, got its name as a result of a disaster. According to the legend, a young girl returning from visiting her aunt fell into the stream on a stormy day and her lifeless body was found at a point called "Balık Geçmez". After this tragic event, the stream was named "Hala Creek". Hala Creek is one of the important rivers of Çamlıhemşin valley with its many tributaries such as Melivor Creek, Tar Creek, Kavrun Creek.