| The bridge was
originally known as the Bridge of Allahverdi Khan who was
responsible for its construction. The lower level of 33
arches is surmounted by a second layer, with one arch
above each of the pontoons and two arches above the lower
single arch, giving it its name and rhythmic appearance.
The road along the top is sandwiched between high walls
which give some shelter from the wind as well as
protection for travellers who can walk along the
footpaths on either side to avoid the crush of the
traffic. Originally there were frescoes on the walls
which Sir William Ousely, who saw them in 1823, felt to
be dangerous for the morals of passers by. The bridge itself is
295m long and 13.75m wide. The thirty four piers on which
it is constructed are 3.49m thick and the arches are
5.57m wide. The southern side of the bridge, where the
waters of the Zayandeh run more swiftly has supplementary
arches, and it is this that makles them suitable as a tea
house. The bridge acted as a springboard for the
development of the Khajou Bridge some 50 years later.
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