Author’s Note:
After my 20-year involvement with the recording of arched stone bridges of Greece in three books, I gladly accept the invitation – challenge of Mr. George Vladas to publish part of my study limited to the presentation of the bridges of the Cycladic islands and why not later all the islands of Greece.
I present this part of my book, “1500 arched stone bridges of Greece”, which concerns the bridges of the island of Paros. In 2013, this book received the prize of the Academy of Athens. The photos published in this book are the work of myself and my husband and come from our archives.
So let’s travel to the countryside of Paros, to walk on old forgotten paths, to discover the old stone bridges, to relive with our imagination the not-so-distant times when these roads were full of life; and to promise that we will put an end to the indifference that led to their abandonment and, year after year, their destruction. Let’s not expect everything from the state, which is almost indifferent to this abandonment. We can, on our own, with a little effort, contribute to their maintenance and rescue.
The bridge of “Kakos Potamos” (The Bad River).
With a double arch, it spans the Kakos Potamos River, which originates in Lefkes and flows into the bay of Molos. It was built in the Byzantine era, in the 14th century.
It is located on the Byzantine path leading from Lefkes to Prodromos. Until 1950 it was the only means of communication between the two villages.
The bridge on the Parikia – Lefkes road
With a double arch, it crosses the Vrontas river, which has its source in the mountain of Agii Pantes, and flows to the locality Tsoukalia. It was built in the 14th century and is similar to Kakos Potamos’ bridge. It is located between the villages of Kostos and Lefkes, downstream from the new bridge, over which passes the asphalt road that connects Parikia to Lefkes.
According to unconfirmed reports, during heavy downpours in 1996, the river overflowed and swept away the newer bridge situated a few meters away, while the old bridge remained intact.
The Lefkes Bridge
It has only one arch. It is located in the village of Lefkes.
It spans the stream that crosses the town.
Alonaki Bridge
A small single-arch bridge with a raised opening. Probably the newest stone bridge in Greece. It is located in Alonaki on the Paros Park Alonaki – Faros road.
It was built in 2010 at the same time as the creation of the paths of the Environmental Park of Paros in Ai-Yiannis Detis.
Cleanthes’ Bridge
It has a single arch. It bears the name of the architect, designer and perhaps builder Cleanthe*.
It spans the Vronta River. It was built in the 19th century and is located near the village of Kostos, on the road that leads to a nearby mine.
* Stamatis Cleanthis (1802-1862) was one of the most prominent Greek architects of the 19th century, creator of several characteristic buildings in Athens. Wikipedia
The aqueduct in Kostos
The aqueduct is located after the village; it is encountered when descending towards the river on foot, crossing orchards and properties
The Petaloudes aqueduct
In one of the most-visited parts of the island, we discover a two-arched water bridge covered in vegetation. The photo shows its appearance as it appears on the sign that mentions the existence of a watermill in the park.
Today its structure is almost invisible to the eye.
The bridge of Agios Charalambos
The unique arch was built with a concave deck to function as an aqueduct. It is located to the left of the dirt road that leads to the Monastery.
Naoussa: the (new) bridge
This one has three arches. It is constructed of concrete with stone cladding. It is located in the port of Naoussa, a few meters before the exit of the stream towards the sea.
Naoussa: the older bridge
The photo was provided by the “Anthemion” archives.
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