Bridge with Seven Arches

The Bridge with Seven Arches is the old stone bridge across the Kupa river in Sisak, and it is one of the best places in the town to see the water, the old fortress and the historic centre in one view. Sisak lies about an hour south-east of Zagreb, at the confluence of the Kupa, the Sava and the Odra, and the town has always owed its importance to its position on these rivers. The bridge, known in Croatian as Stari most, meaning simply the Old Bridge, is a landmark of the riverfront and a favourite place for evening walks.

As the name says, the bridge rests on seven masonry arches, which carry the roadway across the river in a long, regular line. The arches are made of stone and brick, and their rhythm is reflected in the water on calm days, which makes it an attractive subject for photographs. The structure dates from the early twentieth century, a period when Sisak was expanding as an industrial and railway town and when river crossings were important for trade and traffic. The bridge replaced earlier crossings, and the long history of such crossings goes back to the Romans, who built a bridge here when Siscia was one of the main cities of the region.

Walking across the bridge gives wide views along the river, and from the banks you can see the town's historic core, the cathedral tower and the old fortress, Stari Grad, built in the sixteenth century to defend against the Ottomans. In 1593, a battle fought beneath its walls ended in a decisive victory for the Christian forces, and the site is remembered as one of the key events in the long struggle on this frontier. The ancient Roman remains of Siscia, listed in this guide as a separate attraction, lie close to the bridge, and together with the riverside they form a pleasant walk through the layers of Sisak's history.

The bridge is open at all times and is free to walk, with pavements for pedestrians. The surrounding embankments are pleasant for strolling, and there are benches, a few cafes and a view of the water with ducks and swans. Sisak was hard hit by the 2020 earthquake in the Banovina region, which damaged many buildings, and some parts of the town are still being repaired, so check local conditions if you plan to explore the centre.

Allow half an hour for the bridge itself and an hour or two for the surrounding sights. Early morning and the hour before sunset are the best times for light and quiet. The bridge suits walkers, photographers and anyone interested in the rivers that shaped Sisak.