Portaikos Bridge, Stone bridge in Pyli, Greece
Portaikos Bridge is a stone crossing over the Portaikos River built with a large semicircular arch made from limestone and sandstone blocks. The structure measures about 65 meters in length and provides a walking path over the water connecting both riverbanks.
The bridge was commissioned in 1514 by Bessarion, the Metropolitan of Larissa, and served as a key link between two regions. Until modern roads opened in the 1930s, it remained the main crossing in this area.
The bridge shows a mix of Ottoman building methods and local craft traditions visible in its stone masonry and worked sandstone blocks. Visitors crossing it can directly experience the quality of stonework and the straightforward construction thinking of earlier times.
The bridge sits near a modern road and can be easily reached when traveling in the region. Visitors should wear solid shoes as the surface can be uneven and crossing takes time to do safely.
The bridge ranks among the larger crossing structures from before the 20th century in this region and underwent thorough repairs several times. Its well-kept features make it a rare example of old engineering work at this location.
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