Yağlıdere rarely appears on travel lists. Yet it is first in Turkey in one respect: 12 well-preserved stone arch bridges. Lined along the valley, these bridges tell how the area was a line of passage for centuries.
The Ağa Bridge
The best known of the twelve bridges. A single-arch stone bridge built in 1816 by Yağlıdereli Mehmet Emin Ağa, the voivode of Şebinkarahisar.
The stonework is worth seeing. For photography, shooting from the path down to the stream gives a better result. The surroundings are undeveloped, so plan it as a short stop.
- Elevation: 400 m
- To Yağlıdere centre: 5 km, on a mountain road
- Time: 30 minutes
- Fee: Free
On the Kümbet-Alucra crossing, on the road. Stopping on the way up to or down from the highland is the most efficient approach.
The other bridges
Along the valley there are other examples, such as the Yavşan, Tekke Village and Çakrak bridges. All are single-arch, with cut-stone work. Some are within the village roads; for those who want to see them all, a day can pass like a bridge hunt.
Kırkharman Church
Above Yağlıdere, on the historic Silk Road route, a stone church standing alone. Abandoned after the population exchange; though the villagers have not allowed it to be damaged, it is unrestored and its interior has turned over time into a barn. Worth seeing for how it stands in the middle of nature.
Access note: The village road after the main road is a graded track and narrow; a high-clearance vehicle is more comfortable. As there is no phone signal, tell someone before you go and save the directions offline.
Çakrak Church and Bridge
In the same area a church and a stone bridge stand together. Those going to Kırkharman usually stop here too.
How to plan?
| Topic | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance from centre | ~22 km (district centre) |
| Bridge tour | Half a day |
| With Kırkharman | A full day |
| Vehicle | Needed · no public transport |
Rather than targeting Yağlıdere on its own, add it to a highland day: the Ağa Bridge falls on the road when heading towards Kümbet or Alucra.
Who is it for?
If historic structures and stonework interest you, and you like places away from the crowds, this is worth it. If you come expecting a landscaped visitor site, signposts and a cafe, it will be a disappointment.
On the map
On the map Yağlıdere's bridges line the valley; add them to a highland day on the way through.
Open the guide