Places that came together, campaigns that continued, communications that were not lost. As long as there are bridges, people continue to move forward, to create, to exist. The road does not end just because a cliff, a river, or the sea lies ahead. The road continues.
Bridges are the striking proof that roads cannot be stopped for any reason.
Bridges bring together not only people, but also ideas, stories, objects and knowledge. They become symbols of connection and progress that withstand the test of time, creating bonds between people and places.
The need to connect across opposite shores led to the invention of bridges, one of the earliest examples of human ingenuity.
The evolution in bridge construction can be divided into three periods.
The first period dates from prehistoric times to the Roman period. Initially, a bridge served as a natural extension of a path, inspired by nature itself. Without the necessary technical knowledge, the first bridges were built from materials offered by the natural environment, such as wood and stone, with minimal human processing and the use of woven ropes. The earliest bridges were simply supported beams, like flat stones or tree trunks.
It is believed that people already had the ability to mimic natural arches since the Neolithic era. They shaped large stones and arranged them in curved forms, creating structures that followed the principle of the arch.
The Arkadiko Bridge, also known as the Kazarma Bridge, is a Mycenaean bridge located near the village of Arkadiko in Argolis. It is considered the oldest preserved bridge in Europe still in use and the oldest single-arched bridge. It was built using the cyclopean technique, with large, uncut stones without the use of any binding material.
The second period begins in the Roman era and ends in the early 19th century. The Romans were the ones who initiated the systematic bridge construction to support their military campaigns and to facilitate the connection of Rome with the provinces of the Empire. They also introduced stone processing and arch bridges. The discovery and development of concrete allowed the creation of more durable and complex bridges.
During the Middle Ages, bridges evolved significantly, primarily distinguished by the use of the pointed arch, which provided greater stability and less pressure on the supports. Medieval bridges served not only as passages but also had multiple purposes. Chapels and shops were built on them, and many were fortified with towers and walls for protection against enemy attacks.
During the Renaissance, there was even greater progress in bridge construction. The Roman tradition of arched bridges went on, but now it was combined with new techniques, such as diagonal beams (truss) for greater strength.
Significant advances came in the 18th and 19th centuries due to the progress of engineering and the Industrial Revolution. Bridges became symbols of progress and economic and technological development. New materials were introduced, such as cast iron, wrought iron, reinforced concrete, and steel. In 1779, the first cast iron arch bridge was built in Shropshire, England, crossing the River Severn.
In the third period (early 19th century to present), fully processed materials have been established, and from the 20th century, new possibilities emerged, such as suspension and cable-stayed bridges.
Many bridges built in Greece, primarily during the 18th and 19th centuries, are significant examples of folk architecture and monuments of tradition, standing out for their simplicity and functionality. Positioned in picturesque landscapes and perfectly aligned with the natural environment, they create images of exceptional beauty while also serving as sources of inspiration for legends, beliefs, poetic creations, etc. Villagers would traditionally call upon local craftsmen, often organized in groups called bouloúkia, to design and build the bridge. The primary materials used were schist (limestones) and sandstone, while the material placed between the stones consisted of a mixture of crushed tiles, slaked lime, pumice, soil, water, and dry grass. To enhance the effectiveness of this mixture, sometimes they added animal wool and egg whites. The collapse of a bridge was often attributed to supernatural forces, and sacrifices—either of animals or humans—were sometimes offered as a solution.
This thematic exhibition includes photographs, engravings, and paintings, depicting bridges either as central elements or as details in the background. You will find photos and illustrations of iconic bridges, such as Arta and Gorgopotamos Bridge, postcards and photos of bridges in the Balkans and Asia Minor, photographic documentation of bridge construction as well as photos of bridges built by the Hellenic Expeditionary Force during the Asia Minor Campaign.
The exhibition contains items from the following institutions:
