Katouni Bridge in Kythera

Among Kythera’s most impressive landmarks stands the stone bridge of Katouni. Constructed during the British rule, it holds the title of the largest stone bridge ever built in Greece. Its length reaches 110m, its height 15 meters, and its width 6 meters. Its defining characteristic lies in its 13 symmetrical arches and 12 openings. It is the largest engineering project of the British in Kythera. It was built, using forced labor from local residents, by the British administrator Macfale, based on designs and studies by Evaristo de Chirico. The bridge, completed in 1826, was part of the road axis that would connect the capital with the port of Avlemonas. Due to its exceptional architecture the bridge can hold more weight than originally planned. Legend has it that Macfale, the island’s British governor, fell madly in love with a beautiful young woman from Katouni village and decided to build the bridge near her house in order to see her daily, while supervising the project.