Venetian bridges in Cyprus
Published on 29th of April, 2024
There are many interesting and amazing places in Cyprus that are definitely worth visiting. The island has a great historical and cultural heritage with echoes of different eras. In addition to popular attractions, there are lesser-known routes that deserve the attention of travelers.
One of them is the Venetian bridges. They were built in the 16th century, when Cyprus was under the rule of Venice. Bridges on the “camel trails” were used to transport minerals from the mountains.
Five Venetian bridges in Cyprus
Venetian bridges are located in picturesque places with lush vegetation, and babbling rivers flow under them. The air in such places is very clean and remains comfortably cool even on summer days.
First, let's get acquainted with the general description of the Venetian bridges in Cyprus and tell you why they are worth visiting.
Kelefos Bridge
This is the most famous stone Venetian bridge among tourists. It is the largest on the island. The Diarisos River flows under the Tselofos. The bridge is located in the forest of Paphos, the area is very picturesque and quiet. There are many pine and cypress trees among the lush green vegetation.
The bridge has a humped surface. In the XVI century, such a structure was built specifically to make it easier for camels to move around. There is an asphalt road leading to the Kelefos Bridge, and there are benches nearby where you can rest.
The Kelefos Bridge is a single-arch bridge with a length of 30 meters and a width of 3.2 meters. The height above the river is 6 meters. The water level depends on the season and weather conditions. The river is home to several species of fish.
Elia Medieval Bridge
Elia is a stone single-arch bridge, which also belongs to the “camel road”. Under it flows the Finiotis River, which flows into the Dyarisos. The bridge got its name from an olive tree that grew nearby.
Elias is located not far from the Celephos Bridge, so you can see several bridges in one walk. By design, the Elias Bridge is almost flat. It does not have a hump, compared to the Celephos Bridge.
The highest point of the bridge offers a beautiful view of the river flowing below and the surrounding green vegetation.
Elias is not very large in size and is inferior to Celephos, so it is less popular with tourists. If you want to relax in the midst of nature without curious tourists, this place is perfect.
Roudia Bridge
Roudia Bridge is the third bridge that makes up the “camel trail” along with Celephos and Elias. The bridge is lost deep in the forest of Paphos, so not all travelers get there. There is an asphalt road there, but in some places it breaks off.
You should go in search of the bridge in dry weather, as during rains the water level in the river rises significantly, and the nearest roads are washed away by mud. Roudia Bridge crosses the Xeros River.
In total, there are three Venetian bridges in the Paphos forest, connected to each other by a natural path. The total length is 11 kilometers. Roudia Bridge is made of stone and has a single-arch structure. The bridge opening is 10 meters and the total height is about 60 meters.
The bridge is surrounded by beautiful nature. In this place you will find many lizards, butterflies, birds and small animals. The vegetation is lush and consists of plain trees and pines.
Due to the fact that the Roudia Bridge is located deep in the forest, there is a risk of getting lost. Although there is a signpost nearby.
If you feel that you are not sufficiently prepared to explore the forest on your own, you should check out the excursion offers. Sometimes there are organized excursions along the “Venetian trail” with an experienced guide.
Kalopanayiotis
Kalopanayiotis is a majestic bridge that stretches on the slopes of the Trooditis Mountains. It is located in the vicinity of the village of the same name and used to be the only connection between the village and the monastery of St. John the Lampadist and the village primary school.
According to legend, St. Heraklion was baptized near the Kalapanaiotis Bridge. Every year on January 6, the Feast of the Baptism of the Cross is celebrated on the bridge.
Kalopanayiotis Bridge is made in the Venetian style. It was also built in the XVI century. Kalopanayiotis is not one of the three bridges that form the “camel road,” but it was built by the Venetians anyway and is considered a cultural heritage of past eras.
Acapnou
Speaking of impressive Venetian bridges, one cannot fail to mention the Acapnou. This bridge has two arches: one semicircular and the other pointed. The Akapnou crosses the Vasilopotamos River.
There is a beautiful legend associated with the Akapnou Bridge and the surrounding area. The Frankish king and queen decided to pump water from the Vasilopotamos River to a valley northwest of the village of Akapnou.
But soon there was a Saracen raid, and the royal couple decided to escape, having previously hidden the jewelry in the valley. During the escape, the queen fell from her horse into the river and died. Hence the name “Queen's Valley”.
It is only 300 meters from the center of Akapnou village to the bridge of the same name. And 100 meters from the bridge there is an asphalt road, so you won't get lost on your trip here.
At the same time, the surrounding nature is striking in its beauty. The bridge offers magnificent green landscapes.
What to see/sights
Now we will tell you what interesting sights are located near the bridges and what else you can see there.
Kelefos Bridge
The Kelefos Bridge is located in the forest, but there are picturesque villages with several attractions nearby. The nearest village is Agios Nikolaos. It is small and very cozy, imbued with local flavor and surrounded by green landscapes.
You can stroll through the narrow streets, admire the old-style houses and chat with the friendly locals. You can also try the local cuisine. The village has a small Byzantine church called Agios Nikolaos.
If you come to see the Celephos Bridge, be sure to visit the nearby village of Arminia, whose main feature is the reservoir of the same name. The artificial lake is set in picturesque landscapes. The village has the church of Agia Marina, and there is also the monastery of St. Timios Stavros, which is almost destroyed.
Elia Bridge
The Elia Bridge is part of the Venetian Camel Road nature trail, so it is recommended to see the Kelefos and Roudia Bridge bridges along with it. The total distance is 11 km. You can take a whole day and walk through the forest of Paphos, looking at the ancient architectural bridges.
Not far from the Elias Bridge, at an altitude of 780 meters above sea level, is the small village of Kaminaria. The place is quiet and peaceful, with friendly people and local flavor. The village is surrounded by picturesque hills.
There are four churches in Kaminaria that you can visit. These are the Church of Agios Hermolaos, the Church of Agios Georgios, the Church of St. Basil and the Church of the Virgin Mary.
There are almost no tourists there. Therefore, the route is suitable for experienced travelers who have already seen the popular sights and want to find something less known.
Roudia Bridge
The Rudias Bridge is cozily hidden in a dense forest, so it's not easy to find. There are no attractions within walking distance. The bridge belongs to the “camel trail” and can be visited together with Celephos and Elias. Many of the roads are not accessible by car, so it's only a walk.
There is an abandoned village of Vrecia 3 km from the bridge. It is recommended to start the journey to the Rudias Bridge from there. You need to understand that the path is a bit complicated and not very popular. If you want to see the famous tourist attractions, it is better to try other routes and leave the Rudias Bridge for later.
Kalopanayiotis Bridge
Kalopanayiotis Bridge was built in the village of the same name. The terrain here is not as remote as near the Camel Trail. Therefore, there are more attractions in the area.
First of all, you need to visit the village itself. It is very picturesque, with ancient architecture and narrow streets. There are healing sulfur springs nearby.
The main attraction of Kalopanayiotis is the monastery of St. John the Lampadist, which belongs to the Orthodox Church of Cyprus. The monastery was founded in the 11th century.
Akapnou Bridge
Akapnou Bridge is located in a small village of the same name, made in the traditional style. It has the same narrow streets, old houses and beautiful scenery. The main attraction is the central church of St. George.
Where is it and how to get there
Finally, we will explain how to get to the Venetian bridges in Cyprus.
Tselefos
The Tselefos Bridge is located in the mountains of Paphos, near the village of Agios Nikolaos. First, you need to arrive in Paphos, a large tourist city in the southwest of the island. Travelers first stay at a hotel there and then go to the village of Agios Nikolaos. From there, you can quickly get to the Tselefos Bridge.
Elia Bridge
The Elias Bridge is located in the Limassol area, and the Paphos forest runs nearby. You can get there from Limassol or Paphos. These are large cities where you can stay and have an interesting time, and then go to the bridge.
The best option is to rent a car or drive your own. There is also an option to first visit the nearest village of Kaminaria and then walk 4 km to the Elias Bridge or use a car.
Roudia Bridge
Roudia Bridge was also built in the forest of Paphos. The area is remote, so you need to plan your route well. Tourists are advised to come to the abandoned village of Vretzia and from there walk 3 km through the forest to the Roudia Bridge.
Some guidebooks warn that you should not start the journey to the bridge from the village of Agios Ioannis, as the road there is dangerous.
Kalopanayiotis
The village of Kalopanayiotis, where the bridge of the same name is located, is located in the Troodos Mountains. It is a district of Nicosia, so the fastest way to get there is from there. It takes a little less than an hour to get from Nicosia to Kalopanayiotis by car.
From Limassol to Kalopanayiotis is a longer drive - about 1.5 hours and a distance of 65 km. Kalopanayiotis is located about 35 km from the forest of Paphos. Therefore, if you come to see the camel trail, you can also visit this village with a bridge.
Akapnou
And the last Venetian bridge is Akapnou, located in the village of the same name on a hillside. This is a district of Limassol, so it is better to start the trip from this city. If you go by car, the trip will take about an hour.
The Venetian bridges in Cyprus are an interesting architectural landmark that all travelers should definitely see. The bridges are located in picturesque places. Therefore, tourists can enjoy beautiful green landscapes, not just look at the cultural heritage.