The medieval bridge of yermasoyia Limassol

 

Though the stone-built, Venetian bridge is no longer the main focal point of the parking area created at the passing of the Amathus River, its timeless presence in the area indicates the historical significance of this particular site.

The medieval bridge is built on the riverbed of the Germasogeia River, which lends its name to the area that has enjoyed heavy tourist activity over the last few decades. Prior to this tourism boom, however, this location was merely a part of the Limassol countryside, and the bridge served the needs of people traveling to and from the surrounding rural areas. Its historical significance lies in the fact that it is one of the few remaining medieval monuments in an area which has experienced a radical shift in character.

Locals still refer to the stone-built bridge by names that were used in the previous century, such as ‘paliogefiro’ (old bridge) or ‘Bridge of Aristos.’ Initially, the construction comprised two acute arches, though in the early 1950s, during the implementation of projects for the organization and alignment of the river bed, another arch was added, which is why this third arch differs significantly from the other two. In 1990, the bridge was declared an ancient monument and restored, and today is under the care of the Department of Antiquities