The Ntempriz Bridge (Greek: Γέφυρα Ντεμπρίζ), also known as Strefeiko Gefyri (Greek: Στρεφέικο Γεφύρι), is an arch bridge situated in Messinia, approximately 1 km west of Strefi village crossing the canyon where Velikas river runs through. A few hundred meters southeast of the bridge there are the remains of Ntepriz castle which lies on a hill and its residents probably were primary users of the bridge. It was built during the Francocracy period in Greece, to connect Pylos with Messini broader areas. [1] [2]
Ntempriz Bridge Γέφυρα Ντεμπρίζ | |
|---|---|
 View to the south | |
| Coordinates | 37°03′19.3″N 21°52′29.7″E / 37.055361°N 21.874917°E |
| Crosses | Velikas river |
| Locale | Strefi, Messinia, Greece |
| Other name(s) | Greek: Στρεφέικο Γεφύρι |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Arch bridge |
| Material | Limestone |
| No. of spans | 2 |
| History | |
| Construction end | Francocracy |
| Location | |
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Description
editMade of limestone stones and having just enough width for a carriage, it is arched with two spans, a large main arched span with a slight obtuse angle that accommodates most of the river discharge and a secondary triangular much smaller one on side of the river it crosses. In the past a watermill used to be situated at its exit.
Date
editWhile most sources agree that the bridge was built during Francocracy, there hasn't been conducted enough research for a more precise date to be estimated. Nevertheless, it is considered to be one of oldest bridges in Messinia. [3]
Gallery
edit-
Bridge detail in the big arch where the abutment is visible -
Bridge detail of a small triangular arch -
Roadway as seen from top -
Bridge detail from stream level. This photo was shot during summertime so the river water level was low
