Paleokaryas Bridge: 1 of the most beautiful and traditional monuments in Greece

There is no shortage of stone-built, arched bridges in Greece. Many of them, in fact, are famous all over the country, have been recognised as traditional monuments and have become a pole of attraction for crowds of visitors, especially those in Epirus and Thessaly.

The Paleokaryas Bridge, a short distance from Trikala, is consistently included among the most famous bridges in Greece.

For many, it may be the most beautiful of the stone, arched buildings of its kind. Something, of course, that has nothing to do only with its construction and aesthetics but also with the natural beauty of the location where it is located since two small waterfalls flow next to it.

In general, however, by coming here, you will find yourself in an idyllic mountainous location, where (apart from the bridge) the ravine of Palaiokarya, the peaks of Gropa and Karava of southern Pindos, the river Portaikos and the rich forest of Katuna, which is full of beeches.

Kato Paleokaryas and its famous bridge

The wider area of Paleokarya is located south of the national road that connects Trikala with Tzoumerka (and Arta, eventually).

It takes its name from the small river Palaiokaritis—which a little later joins the aforementioned Portaikos—and is divided into three small villages: Ano, Mesi, and Kato Paleokaryas. The bridge belongs to the latter's territory.

Kato Paleokaryas is built at an altitude of 474 metres in the low foothills of southern Pindos and has a population of 82 inhabitants, according to the 2011 census. The bridge is located around 500 metres outside the boundaries of the settlement, at the location "Tsibideika."

This name echoes the inn of Tsimpidas, which used to be here. The construction bridges the two banks of the aforementioned Palaiokaritis. It is surrounded by high, steep cliffs, with the waters feeding the rich, riparian vegetation.

When exactly the bridge was built is not clear. However, it is considered to be a work of the 16th century, placed (probably) around 1550.

It is of the single-arched type, with a length of 26 metres and a height of (approximately) 12 metres. And the opening of its bow is calculated at 19.50 metres.

Historically, it was a construction of great importance, as it connected the Trikala Gate with the villages of Aspropotamos, thus functioning as an important transportation hub between Thessaly and Epirus - both for the movement of people and the transport of goods.

This bridge became even more prominent thanks to the construction of two small dams in its area in 1975.

The aforementioned inn of Tsimpidas and some houses were then under the lake that formed there, while the river's waters fed the two waterfalls that today fascinate visitors even before they approach them, as from a distance they give the impression of a water curtain.

The small one falls from a height of 2 metres, while the big one is more impressive, falling from a height of 12 metres. Nowadays, benches have also been created so that there is the possibility to stop and stay to enjoy the beautiful landscape.

Now, if you cross the bridge and continue on your way, after just 5 minutes of walking, you will reach the Dristela and the Paleokaryas watermill.

The word dristela describes the water frictions we know from other parts of Greece: something like a natural laundry, that is, where the ancient people washed their clothes, sheets, and even carpets.

Infrastructure has now been created in its space under the plane trees, where you can sit for coffee or beer.

The old watermill, again, will give you the opportunity to get to know firsthand the traditional process of making flour.

Entrance is free, and the facility is fully functional since it continues producing flour from corn and wheat. It is also grinds animal feed.

How do you get here?

Kato Paleokaryas is around 35 kilometres from Trikala and is easily reached by road if you start from the town of Pyli, 10 kilometres further. Follow the route to Stournareika, but before reaching them, you will find a turn with a sign to the village of Ropoto.

There, you will continue straight, and in a few metres, you will see signs for Ano, Mesi and Kato Paleokaryas. Then, as soon as you cross a small bridge, you will turn left on the dirt road and in 100 metres, you will come to the famous bridge.

In addition to the water mill and the dristela, which we mentioned above, the area also offers exciting routes for hiking enthusiasts, who will find suitable paths to explore more widely.

If you cross the forest of Katuna, you will also see a meadow with violets, crocuses and impressive shades of green, which offers a beautiful view towards the peaks of Marosa, Avgo and Loupata.

(Travel)

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