Bridges and aqueducts

Although Crete has few large rivers with a continuous flow, numerous historic bridges, arches and aqueducts survive across the island. These engineering works were constructed to provide safe passage over rivers, streams and gorges, as well as to carry water to towns, villages, monasteries and cultivated areas.

One of the best-known examples is the impressive Preveli Bridge, which crosses the Megalos Potamos River. Of particular archaeological importance is the Ancient Bridge of Eleftherna, distinguished by its triangular opening constructed with the corbelled building technique.

Another important monument is the Elliniki Kamara at Vrysses in Apokoronas. Alongside the larger bridges, smaller single-arched stone structures survive in many parts of Crete, once connecting villages, old roads, watermills and agricultural areas.

The Morosini Aqueduct and the other water-supply works of the Venetian period are equally remarkable. Stone water bridges, channels and tunnels carried water over long distances and across valleys, streams and uneven terrain. Their carefully constructed masonry and remarkable durability demonstrate the advanced engineering knowledge of their builders.

Morozini Aqueduct

The Venetian Candia, i.e. the current town of Heraklion, had no water sources and its residents used wells and cisterns for storing rainwater. The general commissioner of Crete, Francesco Mozozini, tried to give a definitive end to this drought by building a colossal project, 15 kilometers long, for transfering water from the springs of mount Youchtas. The terrain of the region required the construction of the aqueducts at Karydaki, Syllamos, Fortezza and Tris Kamares (today's Eleftherias Square) and other technical projects. The water from the sources of Giouchtas area was dumped into the water channel and with natural flow crossed the aqueducts in the area of Sylamos and Fortezza and ended in the famous Fountain of the Lions. The project took only 14 months to complete and was inaugurated on April 25, 1628, on the feast day of Saint Mark, the patron of Venice and operated till 1927. This project was so important, that Morosini minted special coins depicting Zeus pouring water from Youktas Mountain. Nobody was allowed to plant trees at a distance of 10 feet, so as not to damage the channel. [widgetkit id=2091]

Kakodiki Bridge

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 4.00 (2 Votes)

In 1903, the independent Cretan State built a single arched bridge called Kamara that collapsed in 2018. It was 10m wide and very inclined. The place can be accessed by a dirt road that stops here. It was very tough to locate the bridge due to the lush vegetation.

Platys River bridge

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 1.00 (1 Vote)

A beautiful and unknown stone bridge with one arch is located in the middle of Platys River, once linked the provinces Amari and Agios Vasileios. Below it you can enjoy a refreshing bath, as there is a quite large pond.

Astraki Bridge

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 4.00 (1 Vote)

The bridge of the village Kato Astraki is called Astrakiani Kamara (Arch of Astraki) and is located a few meters away from the village, on the banks of the River Karteros. Astrakiani Kamara is a magnificent and well preserved arched stone bridge built in the 16th century and is one of the most beautiful of Crete. The bridge was built to connect Astraki with Sgourokefali and the villages of the eastern side of the river Karteros.

Koxare Bridge

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 4.00 (2 Votes)

Between the villages Koxare and Atsipades we meet the wonderful stone arched bridge of Koxare (named Old Arch), which served the residents of the two villages in past times. The river below the bridge runs through the canyon Kourtaliotis and ends at Preveli beach.

Galifa Bridge

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 0.00 (0 Votes)

On the road leading from Galipe to Smari we meet the single-arched bridge of Galifa, which bridges River Galifianos. The arch was built in 1900 to serve the needs of the residents, mainly from Galifa.

Boutakas Bridge

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 0.00 (0 Votes)

One of the least known stone bridges of Crete is the bridge of Boutakas located between the villages Vrises, Embrosneros and Vafes at province Apokoronas. It is the newest of two stone bridges of that area (there is also the famous bridge Elliniki Kamara which is more than 2000 years old). The bridge is still in use by cars and was built during the last decade of the 19th century by local craftsmen.

Kryopotamos Bridge

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 5.00 (1 Vote)

The stone bridge of Kryopotamos, near Myrtos, was built in 1884 and has three large arches. It is such a masterful construction, so that it has been declared as a work of art.

Kaki Rachi Bridge

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 5.00 (1 Vote)

The stone built bridge and the watermill at Kakia Rahi position are both monuments protected by the Greek State. They are landmarks in the area, associated with memories of the locals. They are both special constructions that combine rigorous morphological solutions.