Arkadiko Bridge – Arkadiko, Greece - Atlas Obscura
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Arkadiko Bridge

Arkadiko, Greece

Built by the Ancient Greeks, this chariot bridge is still in use today. 

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Arkadiko Bridge. Flausa123/cc by-sa 3.0
Arkadiko Bridge. Flausa123/cc by-sa 3.0
There are actually two bridges. DMStephenson (Atlas Obscura User)
Arkadiko Bridge. Kritheus/cc by-sa 4.0
Arkadiko Bridge. Flausa123/cc by-sa 3.0
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This relic of Ancient Greece straddles a small gully near a modern road. Still stable, the sturdy structure has been in use for thousands of years.

The Arkadiko Bridge was built between 1300 and 1190 BCE, making it one of the oldest still-used arch bridges still in existence. It was built on a road that linked Tiryns to Epidaurus, and was part of a larger military road system. 

The bridge was built using Cyclopean masonry, with limestone boulders, smaller stones, and little pieces of tile assembled tightly together without mortar. It stretches 72 feet long, 18 feet wide, and 13 feet tall.

The ancient bridge is still safe for pedestrian use. Interestingly though, that wasn’t its original purpose. Archaeologists have concluded that based on the bridge’s style, it was built specifically for chariots. The structure even still has the curbs intended to guide the horse-drawn vehicles.

Know Before You Go

The bridge is located at the 15th kilometer of the Nauplion-Epidaurus highway. Make sure you park your car so it doesn't block traffic.

ancient greece infrastructure bridges architecture
Nearby
Komboloi Museum (Greek Worry Bead Museum)
5.65 miles
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6.85 miles
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7.15 miles
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