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Bridge of Arta

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Bridge of Arta is the most celebrated stone bridge in Greece, spanning the Arachthos River near the city of Arta in Epirus. While its current appearance largely dates back to 1612 during the Ottoman period, the bridge's foundations are believed to rest upon ancient Hellenistic structures. The bridge consists of four large asymmetrical arches and stretches to a total length of 142 meters. It is legendary in Greek folklore primarily due to the eponymous ballad, which tells the tragic story of its construction: the myth claims the bridge collapsed every night until the head mason sacrificed his wife by immuring her alive in the foundations. Architecturally, the bridge is a masterpiece of stone masonry, with its tallest arch boasting a span of over 23 meters. Until the annexation of Epirus by Greece in 1881, the bridge served as the official border between the Greek Kingdom and the Ottoman Empire. Today, it stands as a protected landmark and a testament to regional traditional engineering.

Location: Greece
Top sights: Temple of Apollo · Archaeological Museum of Arta · Garoufalios Stegi
Nearby: Koronisia (16 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	5	6	9	13	18	23	27	27	21	16	11	7
Rain mm	101	81	72	44	37	22	18	19	68	92	108	127

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The bridge is a freely accessible structure and can be viewed from the outside at any time. It spans the Arachthos river and is walkable.

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Typical hours

As it is a public structure, there are no opening hours. It is accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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Photography

Photography is allowed at any time without restrictions. The best perspective is from the riverbank or from the bridge itself.

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Time needed

A short 10-15 minute stop is enough to view the bridge and take photos. For a walk along the river, allow 30 minutes.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with the old town of Arta and the Byzantine church of Panagia Parigoritissa. Both attractions are within walking distance.

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Getting there

The bridge is centrally located in the city of Arta and is easily reachable on foot from the city center. Parking is available near the riverbank.

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Insider tip

Visit the bridge in the late afternoon when the light beautifully illuminates the stone arches. Read the local legend about the bridge to enrich your visit.

Geography

Coordinates

39.15180, 20.97510

Facts

The current stone structure was completed in its final form in 1612.
The total length of the Bridge of Arta is exactly 142 meters.
The primary arch has a span of 23.85 meters and a height of 13 meters.
It served as the international border between Greece and Turkey until 1881.
Folklore suggests the foundations were built using stones from ancient Ambracia.
The bridge features small relief openings in the piers to allow water flow during floods.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Amvrakikos Gulf Wetlands11 km · SWExplore →

Amvrakikos Gulf13 km · SEExplore →

Koronisia16 km · SExplore →

Kassopi26 km · WExplore →

Nicopolis26 km · SWExplore →

Paliambela27 km · SExplore →

Vonitsa27 km · SExplore →

Anaktorio28 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Bridge of Arta (8)

Temple of Apollo 🏺 historical

The remains of an ancient temple dedicated to Apollo near the historic bridge of Arta.

Archaeological Museum of Arta 🏛 museum

This museum in Arta displays significant archaeological finds from the ancient city of Amvrakia.

🌐 discoverarta.gr🕒 08:00-16:00♿

Garoufalios Stegi 🏛 museum

A local museum in Arta dedicated to preserving the regional cultural heritage.

North-West Graveyard of the Ancient Amvrakia City 🏺 historical

North-west necropolis of ancient Amvrakia near the Bridge of Arta.

The bridge of Arta 📍 landmark

The famous historic stone bridge of Arta is known for its architecture and local legends.

🌐 discoverarta.gr

Archontiko Papakosta 🏺 historical

A historic manor in Arta representing traditional local architecture.

Faik pasha mosque (Imaret)📍 landmark

A historic Ottoman mosque and social institution located in Arta.

Church of Saint Theodora 📍 landmark

An important Byzantine church in Arta dedicated to the city's patron saint.

🌐 discoverarta.gr

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When was the current bridge built?

The current stone structure dates back to 1612, although the foundations are likely Roman.

Is there an entrance fee?

No, the bridge is part of the public space and can be crossed for free at any time.

What is the legend of the bridge?

According to legend, the master builder had to immure his wife to make the bridge stand firm.

Where exactly is the bridge located?

The bridge spans the Arachthos river on the edge of the city of Arta in northwestern Greece.

Is there parking nearby?

Yes, there are free parking spots in the surrounding streets and near the riverside cafes.

Bridge of Arta: where is it located?

Bridge of Arta is located in Greece.

Bridge of Arta: what is there to see?

Highlights include Temple of Apollo, Archaeological Museum of Arta, Garoufalios Stegi.

Bridge of Arta: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

Bridge of Arta: why is it worth visiting?

The Bridge of Arta is the most celebrated stone bridge in Greece, spanning the Arachthos River near the city of Arta in Epirus.

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Bridge of Arta

Best time to visit & climate