Routhkias Bridge

Routhkias Bridge is located in Paphos forest of Cyprus, about 3 kilometers from the abandoned settlement Vretsia.

One of the most beautiful but not so well known natural attractions of Cyprus, the Routhkias Bridge was constructed during the Venetian era (1489-1571), at an altitude of 300 meters in a lush area with pine trees, plane trees and alders. Below the arch with a width of 9.5 meters and height of 5.6 meters, passes Xeros river. Although nearly destroyed in the 1953 earthquake, it was restored in the late 1970s.

This bridge together with Elia Bridge and Tzelefou Bridge form a complex of bridges built to fulfill the everyday and trade needs of the locals. Following the nature’s trail Venetian Bridges the visitor can enjoy a beautiful route through the lush forest and pass from all three bridges.

It is worth mentioning that Routhkias Bridge with the other two were part of ‘kamilostrata’, the main trade route of transporting copper from the mine Pera Pediou to the port of Paphos. Camels were carrying the load until Pera Vasa, where the ore was processed and from there horses transported it to the port.

The name of the bridge comes from the Greek word ‘roudi’ which refers to the plant Rhus coriaria which flourishes in the region. During the medieval times in Cyprus this plant was an important source of income for the locals.

The visitor should ask the locals about how to go there because the route to the bridge has no signs.