Salambria Bridge, Sarakina

The Salambria Bridge in Sarakina was built in the 16th century together with the Pyli (Ag. Vissarion) arched bridge by the Metropolitan of Larissa Vissarion II. It took its name from the old name of the Pinios (Salambrias). In its original form, the bridge had six arches, with the third one on the left (eastern) bank being the largest, under which the deeper bed of the Pinios River passes. The total length of the bridge is 120 m. Today, the four semicircular arches are preserved, while in place of those that were buttressed in 1970, others made of concrete were constructed. The bridges built by Vissarion Larissis are, in addition to the one of Sarakina mentioned above, at Pyli Trikala (also on the Pinios River), the bridge at Plaka on the Arachthos River and the Korakos Bridge on the Acheloos River. All four of these bridges were very large and pioneering works for their time. They constituted the passages from the eastern to the western mainland. The bridge was restored and renovated in 2023, but unfortunately a few months later (September 2023) it suffered significant damage and partial collapse from the Mediterranean Cyclone Daniel.