Shapouri Bridge
One of the masterpieces of architecture in bridge construction of the Sassanian era is Broken Bridge, that is located in Khorramabad. This bridge known as Shapouri Bridge. This massive and beautiful bridge was registered in the list of Iran’s national relics with the registration number of 1058. This bridge is located 2 km. south-west of Khorramabad, and to the west of the old city of Shahpour Khast.
Description
This bridge was built in the time of Shapur I Sassanid at the same time of the construction of Falak al-Aflak castle and is located in the one kilometer distance of the south of this castle in Khorramabad Town.
It has more than 330 meters long, that is one of the largest stone bridges of Iran. Shapouri Bridge was established as a passage for caravan travelers and Iranian army from Shush to Ecbatana. Probably the bridge also was used to distribute water.
Architecture of Shapouri Bridge
Materials of the bridge are river stones and stone chips in the arches and truncated stones in the piles. The bridge floor is paved in red block stones that have lost their square shape due to erosion. The bridge comprised of 28 arches of which only 6 have been remained. Each pillar is 66 m. (11 x 6) and its current elevation is 16 m. The arches of the said bridge has been constructed of stone, whereas the bridge itself is a mixture of stone and mortar.
The bridge has 28 arches (of which only 6 remain) and 27 Pile bridges, each 61 square meters; Five of Shapoori Bridge's arches are intact and the others have been destroyed by natural factors. The arches of the bridge has been constructed of stone, whereas the bridge itself is a mixture of stone and mortar.