Bridging a river with a stone bridge, requires great craftsmanship as well as a certain degree of luck. Until the first half of the 20th century in Cyprus such bridges were built, which we encounter on the roads that connect towns and villages. We pass most of them without even noticing them.
The basic principle to build a stone bridge is the arch and is related to its properties as part of the cycle. Architecture follows, as it occurs from its name, ‘principles of creation’, defining the parameters based on which you will build the bridge. Then engineering will take over, to build and deliver a safe passage above the river to the people.
The completion of the project, was taken over by “Karfas”. The chief builder that would have overall responsibility for the completion of the bridge, taking care of all those who would take over the construction.
Some of the professionals needed for construction were the masons, the pelicans, the carpenters, builders and experts for the diversion of rivers. All these were responsible for a number of workers.
If the selected location for the construction of the bridge, had no fixed structures for the installation of foundations, they then proceeded to the removal of flimsy soil until they found hard rocks. This rock would become the foundation of abutments (rizogefyra), one on each bank and in the centre they built the piers if the bridge had more than one arch.
Further on, they molded the bridge and arches with molds and started constructing it simultaneously in both parts. As building materials they used sandstone, which gave them the possibility to carve it and give it the shape needed for the binding soil after blending it with water and other materials.
When the two parts of the arch approached one another they placed the "key". A stone, different from the rest, wider at the outer surface narrower at the interior. Usually they carved some crest on this stone or its date of creation. It was placed like a wedge between the two parts of the arch and it was thus completed, or as the workmen called it, they "locked the vault."
All that was left, was to remove the wooden molds and the truth would be revealed. The bridge would either "stand" upright or it would collapse like a card tower.
Considering the means available to them then, you have to admit that both in terms of architectural and mechanical and construction, the bridges are great achievements. It is enough to mention that the basic unit of measurement of the scale was the palm of the chief builder.
One of the most beautiful stone bridges of Cyprus, is the bridge located above the river of Tremithos and connects the villages of Lympia and Mosfiloti. It is a bridge with two arches. The site belongs to Mosfiloti. It was built in 1944 on the spot where Tremithos joins with its tributary that has its sources in the area located between the villages Kornos - Sia- Delikipos and after it "bisects" Mosfiloti, it joins Tremithos.
The stone bridge in Tremithos has relatively easy access from both sides. Of course always keep in mind that you are on the bed of a torrent and this is risky.
