The Bridge Of Arta

The Bridge of Arta is an impressive feat of engineering and a cultural gem located in the town of Arta, in the western region of Greece. This stunning bridge spans the Arachthos River, connecting the town of Arta with the neighboring region of Epirus. It is considered one of the most significant monuments of the Ottoman Empire in Greece and a popular destination for tourists.

Construction

Construction of the Bridge of Arta began in the early 1600s during the Ottoman rule of Greece. The need for a sturdy and permanent structure to replace the wooden bridges that had been washed away by the Arachthos River during frequent floods prompted the construction of this bridge. The bridge was designed by the renowned Ottoman architect, Sinan, and constructed over several years using local materials such as stone, brick, and lime.

The Bridge of Arta is an exceptional example of Ottoman architecture in Greece, characterized by its three arches, each with a different span length ranging from 19 to 29 meters. The central arch, measuring over 22 meters high, is the largest and tallest of the three. The bridge is also adorned with decorative elements such as the intricate stone carvings on its sides and the stone lions that guard its entrance.

Local folklore about the Bridge of Arta

The Bridge of Arta has a fascinating legend that has been passed down through generations. According to local folklore, the bridge was built by a team of skilled masons and apprentices who were under the leadership of the Head Builder. However, each night, the foundations of the bridge would collapse, and the team would have to start again from scratch. One night, a bird with a human voice revealed to the Head Builder that in order for the bridge to remain standing, he must sacrifice his own wife by burying her alive in the foundation of the bridge.

As the tragic sacrifice was made, the builder's wife cursed the bridge to "flutter like a leaf" and all who passed over it to "fall like leaves". However, as she realized that her own brother might have to cross the bridge someday, she changed her curses into blessings. She proclaimed that just as the tall mountains tremble, so shall the bridge tremble, and as the birds of prey fall, so shall the passers-by fall. This story has become a part of the cultural heritage of the area and is often retold to visitors who come to see the magnificent Bridge of Arta.