Tzelefou Bridge

Tzelefou Bridge is one interesting natural attraction of Cyprus. It is the largest medieval bridge of the island and it is located in Paphos forest, near the excursion area Pera Vasas and the Arminou dam.

An old bridge, built during the Venetian era of Cyprus (1489-1571), the made of stone Tzelefou bridge is still in a very good condition. It has a pointy arch and it is 10.70 meters long with about the same width. The ends of the arch are built of hewn stones, while the base is built by stones from Diarizos river that passes underneath the bridge.

On both sides of Tzelefou vridge are large spaces like waiting areas, which demonstrates how busy the bridge used to be as this was part of the main road that connected Paphos province to the rest of the provinces.

The bridge is part of a complex of bridges that were built in the region in order to accommodate the needs of the locals; the other two bridges of the complex are Elia Bridge and Routhkia Bridge. Until the mid of the 20 th century it was part of the trading route and it was connecting the villages of the west side (Milikouri, Vretsia, Agios Ioannis) with the villages of the east side (Agios Nicholaos, Kaminaria, Treis Elies).

Also Elia 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.

There are many stories about where the name comes from. The most popular is that it comes from the word ‘kelefos’ which in ancient Greek means weak or sick and that it is connected to a person or an incident during its contruction.

Built at an altitude of 440 meters with a magical view, surrounded by tall plane trees, this beautiful landscape is ideal for one day escapes from the city and it attracts thousands of visitors every year. Not far away the Diarizos river ends up to the Arminou dam which is also a beautiful sight. Also the nature’s footpath Venetian Bridges is worth hiking.