In the river Agrifiotis, there is a ghost bridge!
It is the famous Manolis Bridge, and depending on the season, you may or may not see it in its place. This unique bridge is visible from summer to autumn, and then... it "disappears."
But what causes this "hide and seek"? Let's take a trip back in time and find out!
The History of the Bridge
The famous Manolis Bridge (we will explain who Manolis is later) is over 350 years old, as it was constructed in 1659. It is located on the banks of the Agrifiotis River, approximately 50 kilometers from Karpenisi.
It is a stone, single-arched bridge, and its diameter reaches 30 meters. It stands out for its beauty, being a classic example of folk architecture, and its durability, as it has remained standing for over 350 years under very challenging conditions.
The "Disappearance" of the Bridge
Until 1964, the Manolis Bridge was the only way to cross from one bank of the Agrifiotis River to the other, as there were no other bridges or natural crossings. However, in 1964, the Kremasta Dam was built, and the homonymous lake was created, which "swallowed" many beautiful structures, including the Manolis Bridge.
Although the "greedy" lake may have swallowed the bridge, it seems to feel guilty and doesn't want to deprive us of its beauty. So, when the water levels drop due to drought and heat, the bridge reappears. It may still be submerged in water, but it is nearly fully visible.
When the cold weather and rains return, it disappears once again beneath the water, but if the rainfall isn't heavy and there is not much snow, part of it—usually the top—can remain visible throughout the winter.
So, if you want to see the famous bridge in person, you should visit the site between early July and mid-October. If heavy rains start early, the bridge might "hide" as early as the end of September.
Who Was the Famous Manolis?
As you can guess from the name of the bridge, he was the builder. In fact, depending on the water levels, you may still see an inscription that says, "The Founders Demetrios and Manolis." We don't know much about Demetrios, but Manolis is Manolis Chrysotis, a famous builder from Ioannina, who eventually settled in the village of Daphne or Koufala in Evrytania.
According to tradition, Manolis and his wife were unable to have children, so he decided to create three beautiful buildings, which, metaphorically, would become his children. The bridge, therefore, is his son, while the churches of Agia Paraskevi in Chryso and Agia Paraskevi in Vragyanna are his two daughters. This tradition is likely why we don’t know who Demetrios is and why the bridge doesn't bear his name, even though it is listed first on the inscription.
The Manolis Bridge is not only of unparalleled beauty; it is also a testament to how something built with passion and love can endure. Not only was it the only crossing connecting the banks of the Agrifiotis River, without ever falling or experiencing any other problems, but it still stands tall today, even though most of the time it is submerged beneath the cold waters. It seems like a perfect symbol for Greece and the Greeks, don’t you think?
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