At the southwestern edge of Konitsa, the bridge stands right at the entrance to the Aoos Gorge. Its location connects the history of a specific structure with a striking spot at the gorge entrance. Upper Konitsa offers a different perspective on the destination: there, rising cobbled lanes pass mansions, traditional stone houses and stone churches. This lets you get to know Konitsa from several perspectives—from its architectural history to its townscape.
The Konitsa Bridge and its history
The Konitsa Bridge was built in 1870–1871 by 50 craftspeople under the direction of master builder Ziogas Frontzos from Pyrsogianni. A wooden bridge had already stood at the same spot in 1823. It could not withstand the river’s current and was soon destroyed. These two construction phases give the site a clear and traceable history: the earlier bridge succumbed to the current, and decades later the structure that now stands at the entrance to the Aoos Gorge was built there.
A photo exhibition on the historical development of Konitsa uses color photographs to show human presence in the region from 15,000 BC to the end of the 19th century AD. Its regional timespan thus extends well beyond the history of the bridge’s construction in the 19th century.
Lanes and buildings in Upper Konitsa
Upper Konitsa is designated a traditional settlement by presidential decree. Its rising cobbled lanes pass impressive mansions, traditional stone houses and stone churches. These buildings represent different kinds of discovery: mansions, homes and churches together shape the townscape described here. For visitors interested in architecture and local history, Upper Konitsa offers a different focus from the history of the bridge.
The designation as a traditional settlement applies to Upper Konitsa. This clear distinction helps keep the two historical themes separate: the bridge is about a specific site and its sequence of structures, while Upper Konitsa is about its lanes and various types of historic buildings. You can consider these highlights separately when planning your stay, rather than treating them as one and the same attraction.
Trails and the hike to Stomio Monastery
Part of Konitsa’s extensive trail network is still in good condition today. The trails lead in particular to places of tourist interest. Hiking thus offers a distinct way to experience the destination alongside its bridge and townscape.
The active Stomio Monastery lies nearby. From the Konitsa Bridge, it can be reached only by a two-hour hike. This time commitment makes a visit a separate planning consideration and clearly distinguishes it from a brief look at a building or the lanes. If you would like to include the monastery in your stay, allow for the hike as a separate activity.
Discover more destinations: Dodoni, Potistika, Anatoli, Negades, Koukouli, ArĂsti, Elafotopos, Elati.
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