The bridge was originally commissioned by Ioannis Loulis, a local businessman, and designed by the master builder Kostas Bekas.
During the Ottoman era, the bridge served as a border crossing point between the Greek and Ottoman territories from 1881 to 1912.
The 2015 collapse was caused by the undercutting of the bridge's western pier foundation during a catastrophic flood.
Reconstruction efforts involved high-precision 3D scanning and structural analysis to ensure the new mortar matched the original's mechanical properties.
The bridge is recognized as a masterwork of 19th-century Epirotic stone architecture.
The Plaka Arched Bridge is a single-arch stone bridge spanning the Arachthos River in the Tzoumerka region of Epirus, Greece. Originally built in 1866, it was the largest single-arch stone bridge in Greece and the third-largest in the Balkans at the time of its completion. The structure collapsed during a severe flood in February 2015 due to heavy rainfall. It underwent a complex reconstruction process led by the National Technical University of Athens, utilizing original stones and traditional lime-mortar techniques. The bridge was officially reopened to the public in 2020. It serves as a historical monument and a focal point for hikers navigating the Arachthos river valley. The arch features a span of approximately 40 meters and a height of 21 meters.
From the riverbank on the eastern side, which provides a full view of the arch's curve against the mountain backdrop.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes if you intend to explore the riverside trails surrounding the bridge base.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Tzoumerka villages for authentic local cuisine.
Bring a polarized lens for your camera to reduce glare from the water surface under the arch.
Do not attempt to climb the arch or walk on unauthorized parts of the stonework, as preservation efforts are ongoing.
