Kousioubli 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 to 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 people and livestock. The bridge measures a total of 33 meters in length, 2.4 meters in width, 8 meters in height, with a 14-meter arch span. A carved stone head is visible on the keystone of the arch, while the passage is reinforced with stone bands known as “arkades”. A distinctive feature is the relieving window on the western side, showcasing the craftsmanship of the era’s master builders. A stop here reveals the crucial role of stone bridges in the connection of isolated mountain communities, and their harmonious integration into the natural landscape is awe-inspiring.
