Kousioumpli Bridge
Between the mountain ranges of Voio and Smolikas, a short distance from the Eptachori–Ioannina national road, stands the single-arched stone Kousioubli Bridge, dating from the late 18th or early 19th century. Visible behind Mount Taliaros at the Fraxo location, it spans the Zouzouliotiko stream. It once connected Eptachori with Zouzouli, Fourka in Epirus, and the grazing lands of Profitis Ilias and Koutsouros, serving as a vital route for both people and livestock. The bridge measures a total of 33 metres in length, 2.4 metres in width, 8 metres in height, with an arch span of 4-metres. A carved stone head is visible on the keystone of the arch, while the deck is reinforced with stone bands known as “arkades”. A distinctive feature of the bridge is the relieving window on the western side, showcasing the craftsmanship of the master builders of the period. A stop here reveals the crucial role that stone bridges once played in the connection of isolated mountain communities, while their harmonious integration into the natural landscape is awe-inspiring.
