Probably every photo or any leaflet advertising Zagori, will include at least one of stone bridges from the region. They are as important and recognizable part of Zagori landscape, as Acropolis is for Athens. For a long time, I was convinced that these stone bridges are exclusive for Zagori only. It was much later when I realized they can be found in other places in all north‑western Greece.
So far I have managed to visit mostly the main ones during my two visits to Zagori, along them the bridges of: Kleidonia, Aristis, Kalogeriko, Petsioni, Milou, Kontodimou, Kokkorou. They are all impressive and in very good condition after being recently renovated as part of revitalization program for Zagori using European Union’s funds. Most are dated for 18th century, when they replaced old wooden ones. Some, until early 20th century, were the only way to the villages located higher in the mountains.
By far, the most famous is Kalogeriko, just outside village of Kipoi. It’s uniqueness comes from the size and shape. It has three arch sections, not just one which is the case for most of the other bridges. The famous shape reminds a moving warm.
But it’s not the one I have enjoyed the most. Bigger impression gave me, a little low profile bridge of Petsioni, from the second photo, located just 1km east from Kipoi. Actually I don’t think many people pay a visit to this one. It’s a little bit on a side of more popular spots in Zagori. It’s all covered with plants, trees and moss, that all together give it an extra-old look, like it would be not three hundred years old but at least a thousand :-P I have immediately pictured a scene from Lord of the Rings when I saw it. I am not sure, but it actually looks like not renovated, like it would preserve in it’s original condition.
Photo1: NIKON D70s, (program), f 1/7.1, 1/320s, -0.3EV, f=51 mm (for 35mm), GIMP software
Photo2: NIKON D70s, (program), f 1/7.1, 1/160s, -0.3EV, f=27 mm (for 35mm), GIMP software
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