Bridge of Arta

The bridge carries four main arches of unequal size across the Arachthos at the edge of Arta, its present form an Ottoman rebuilding, probably of 1602-06 or perhaps 1613, over earlier, probably Roman and Byzantine, foundations. Its fame comes from the ballad of the Bridge of Arta, known across the Balkans in different versions: the master builder's work collapses every night until a bird speaks and tells him he must wall his wife into the foundations, and her curse and her final blessing on travellers end the song. Generations of Greek children learn it at school, which is why the bridge is a national landmark rather than merely a fine piece of masonry. It is closed to traffic and can be walked, with cafes on the bank and the Arachthos running broad and shallow below.

History

According to the Epirote chronicler Panayiotis Aravantinos, the bridge was first built under the Roman Empire, and some traditions say it was rebuilt when Arta was capital of the Despotate of Epirus, perhaps under Michael II Doukas, r. 1230-1268; the present bridge is Ottoman, probably from 1602-06 or perhaps 1613. From the annexation of Arta in 1881 its highest point marked the border between the Ottoman Empire and Greece (Wikipedia, Bridge of Arta).

What's there

• The four arches - the uneven spans of the Ottoman rebuilding.
• The cobbled deck - the steep pedestrian crossing over the river.
• The riverbank - cafes and paths along the Arachthos.
• The ballad's setting - the bridge of the best-known Greek folk song.

When to go

Any time; late afternoon light suits the stone. Spring gives the fullest river. The bridge is lit at night, which makes an evening walk worthwhile.

What to expect

The surroundings are the outskirts of a working town rather than a scenic gorge, with a main road nearby. The visit is short. Arta itself has Byzantine churches worth adding to the trip.

Nearby

The Paregoretissa church stands in Arta; the Plaka bridge and Tzoumerka lie upstream.

Key facts