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Greece - Arta Bridge

The Bridge of Arta is a stone footbridge crossing the Arachthos river on the outskirts of town. The current bridge is Ottoman and most probably built from 1602 till 1606. However the history of a bridge on that place goes even back to the Roman period.

From the annexation of Arta in 1881 to the outbreak of the First Balkan War in 1912, the highest point of the bridge was the border between the Ottoman Empire and the Kingdom of Greece.
The bridge has a length of 145 meters and the width is 3.75 meters. It has four semicircular arches with no symmetry. The Bridge of Arta received many restorations and additions throughout its history. A major restoration took place during the decade of 1980, after which the bridge got back its beauty.

A folk tale tells a story of how builders were building the bridge, but its foundations would collapse each night. Finally a bird with a human voice informed the master builder that he should sacrifice his wife in order to complete the construction. She was buried alive in the foundations of the bridge. She first curses the bridge, but then turns the curse into a wish once she realizes her brother may cross the bridge. Thus the sacrifice is fulfilled and the spirits of the river all the bridge to be built successfully.
In 1931, during repairs, a small room was discovered in one of the bridge pillars: it is claimed that a skeleton was indeed found there.
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84 comments

RHH said:

That's quite a story and a beautiful photo to go with it.
6 years ago

Erhard Bernstein said:

HFF, Jaap!
6 years ago ( translate )

Stormlizard said:

A Remarkable story Jaap, very well photographed.
HFF.
6 years ago

Hélène Lombard said:

Une histoire intéressante et joliment illustrée, !!! Bon WE.
6 years ago ( translate )

Adele said:

A scary story and a beautiful series of images,Jaap!
HFF and a nice weekend
6 years ago

Ulrich John said:

Beautifully captured, Jaap ! Wish you a very nice weekend !
6 years ago

Schussentäler said:

wunderschöne Bilder dieser beeindruckenden Brücke
6 years ago ( translate )

Diana Australis said:

It has an interesting story...and is lovely. Have a good weekend Jaap!
6 years ago

Hansruedi Voegele said:

Sehr schöne Aufnahmen,und gute Beschreibung jaap danke schön dafür !
6 years ago ( translate )

Guy Bacca (guybac) said:

Belle présentation de ce massif pont de pierre... et de sa légende
6 years ago ( translate )

Mecklenburg-Foto (Re… said:

Eine schöne Brücke mit einer gruseligen Geschichte !
HFF!
6 years ago ( translate )

Madeleine Defawes said:

Very beautiful pictures !
Have a nice weekend
6 years ago ( translate )

Anji. said:

Beau point de vue !
HFF, Jaap !
6 years ago ( translate )

John Cass said:

Wonderful shot, great composition and nicely framed, thanks for the info Jaap, very interesting.
HFF, have a nice weekend.
6 years ago

HappySnapper said:

Excellent photography and info Jaap.
6 years ago