A VENETIAN BRIDGE OFTEN OVERLOOKED
OFTEN OVERLOOKED
There are several Venetian bridges in Cyprus, but most of these are found in rural mountainous areas crossing small streams and rivers. Often overlooked and in most cases, taken for granted, this bridge, however, can be found in the heart of the Limassol tourist area. The immediate area takes its name from ‘Potamos’, which translates to river in Greek. This describes a large river, which once flowed all the way down from the inland village of Germasoyia. The river today does not exist anymore, but the bridge stands over the dry riverbed as one of the oldest examples of this type of Medieval structure.
MEDIEVAL STRUCTURES
Several stone-arched bridges were built throughout the island during the Venetian period. The presence of these medieval structures helped ensure the uninterrupted movement of various cargoes. Constructed conscientiously and standing the test of time, these bridges effectively connected several villages, cities, and the ports of Cyprus.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Found mostly inland, several of these bridges still stand gloriously to this day. In these modern times, however, they serve a completely different purpose. They have become somewhat of a tourist attraction, and several visitors to the island often travel inland to experience them. These visitors often use these bridges as a dramatic backdrop for photos, combining their visit with a picnic or a hike across a trail or two.
THE LIMASSOL BRIDGE
Often overlooked, a bridge of this nature stands unequivocally in the heart of Limassol. Blending seamlessly with its modern surroundings, its significance is barely recognisable today. This bridge, which was once part of an extensive camel trail transferring various goods, is the oldest of the Limassol bridges.
A BYGONE RIVER
The bridge stands over the Germasogeia River, which once ran through the heart of Limassol down to the coast. The riverbed sometimes still fills with water, during winter months, allowing the bridge on occasion to serve its purpose, at least for pedestrians, as it’s too narrow for cars and has a set of steps in its middle.
STEPS IN THE MIDDLE
Unusually for a Venetian bridge, the whole structure consists of three arches. Two of the original arches still stand today, but the third original arch is now lost to time. Added later and built from a different stone, the third arch stands at a taller height than the original two. Still not clear why constructed in this way, this well-preserved bridge has steps at the end of the taller arch.
A PROTECTED STRUCTURE
A sign warns that the bridge is under state protection and appeals to street artists not to use the medieval bridge for their creative talents. The concrete slopes of the riverbed, however, are another matter! Covered with street art, these walls, in a funny sort of way, tend to enhance some of the photos taken, often blending the old with the new and bringing the traditional structure firmly into a modern age.
