• Bridge over Alphaios

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August 12, 2022 by   

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Bridge over Alphaios

Location

37.47933, 22.04993

Dating

Initial structure: mid-13th century or earlier; reconstruction: 1439/40: new higher arches; elevated deck through a sophisticated and practical superstructure; new balustrade (for safe crossing); and a chapel as guarantor of divine protection to the edifice and passers-by.

Measurements

L: 52.80 m (current state); W: 3.70 m

Abutments, Piers, Arches

The bridge consisted once of five arches of differing height and span (greatest height 8.75 m and span 4.80 m.). The piers were furnished to the south with pointed breakwaters; over them opened up relieving arches.

Material and Technique

Rubble stone up to the springing of the arches; the latter are constructed of alternating courses of brick and stone. Above the arches a 1.50 m high zone supports the deck, consisting of parallel walls of dressed limestone, likely spolia, arranged transversally to the longitudinal axis of the bridge leaving slot-like hollow spaces in between them. The balustrade was built of limestone ashlars in isodomic technique.

Donors

Raoul Manouel Melikes (wealthy landowner, husband of Helene Asanina Palaiologina, member of the imperial family)

Inscription

On a now lost marble stone immured into the bridge: "As the new builder of the bridge, o stranger, note Raoul Manouel Melikes. Each pious man who wishes to pass across it should pray for grace from above with all his soul lest he not look as before into an abyss. Year 6948 of the 3rd indiction [= 1439/40]."

Metadata created by

Galina Fingarova

Image by

Galina Fingarova

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