JOURNEYS IN GREECE: PYLI-ELATI-PERTOULI (AGGELOS SINANIS)

Passing through the narrow gorge of Pyli, a cool river—especially in winter—welcomes you. This is the Portaikos, or Portiatis, River, and the single-arched stone bridge of Porta, or Saint Bessarion, which stands there proud and imposing. Built in 1514, during the period of Ottoman rule, through the care of Saint Bessarion—after whom it takes its second name—and by the craftsmanship of Greek master builders.

Until 1936, when the nearby Kondylis Bridge was constructed, it was the only bridge in the area and the sole route of communication. Via the steep slopes of Mount Koziakas, it facilitated the customary seasonal movements of goods, people, and livestock to the villages of the entire mountain massif and further on to the villages of Argithea in the Aspropotamos region and to Epirus.