The Greek bridge of Manolis that appears and disappears

Greece is filled with bridges. One-arched, three-arched, built of stone with the passion of the craftsmen of the time. There is a bridge called Manolis Bridge, however, that has a unique peculiarity. It appears and disappears depending on the time of year.

The bridge is located near Karpenisi specifically on the river Agrafiotis. This masterpiece of folk architecture is called the "Manolis Bridge". It is a single-arched bridge with a diameter of about 30 meters. According to its inscription "It was built in 1659, the founders Dimitrios and Manolis". The bridge, like the majority in Greece, is the work of a craftsman from the region of Epirus.

Manolis Chrysiotis had settled in the village of Dafni with his wife. According to tradition, the couple could not have children. Thus, the three great works of the master are paralleled as his children. The "boy" is the bridge. His daughters are the churches of Agia Paraskevi in Chryso and Agia Paraskevi in Vraggiana.

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The history of the bridge

The bridge of Manolis (1659) was for about 300 years the only passage connecting the two banks of the river Agrafiotis. This changed when in 1964 the Kremasta Dam was created. It was then that the homonymous artificial lake was created. Unfortunately, many remarkable buildings were lost under its waters.

The phenomenon of "extinction"

What makes this bridge stand out is that periodically... Disappears. There is a chance that you will find yourself in the area and not find it. Or see only a small portion of it. Why is this happening? This is due to the rise and fall of the river water level depending on the season. When there is heavy and multi-day rainfall, the bridge of Manolis disappears.

When it is visible and when is not.

If you are in the area from July to September you are sure to admire it. Probably be in October if there is no rainfall. In winter and spring, the bridge is lost under the waters. It is impressive, however, that despite the specific conditions and the long stay underwater, it still stands in its place.

 

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