Lions’ Bridge

The bridge was erected from stone in 1889 to replace an earlier bridge known as Sharen Most because it was adorned with red and yellow stripes. The name Lions’ Bridge derives from the four bronze lion statues that are the bridge’s most recognized feature. The Austrian business Rudolph Philipp Waagner manufactured all of the bridge’s metal parts, and electric lighting were added in the early 1900s. The bridge’s total construction cost 260,000 golden leva.

The bridge spans the Vladayska River at the confluence of Maria Louisa Blvd and Slivnitza Blvd, connecting the city center to the central train station and the central bus station. The bridge is one of the city’s attractions. The Lion Bridge Square is just adjacent to it. The stone bridge replaced an earlier bridge known as Sharen Most (арен мост, “Motley Bridge”) because it was painted with red and yellow stripes. The name Lions’ Bridge derives from the four bronze lion statues that are the bridge’s most recognized feature. The Austrian business Rudolph Philipp Waagner manufactured all of the bridge’s metal parts, and electric lighting were added in the early 1900s. The bridge’s total construction cost 260,000 golden lev.

The metro station with the same name is situated under the bridge. There are plans for a massive rebuilding of the bridge. The crossroads will be divided into two levels, according to the designs.

On the back of the Bulgarian 20 lev banknotes released between 1999 and 2007, one of the bronze lions is shown.