Roman Bridge of Patras: A Journey Through Time

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Step back in time at the Roman Bridge of Patras, a remarkably preserved relic of ancient Roman engineering and road infrastructure.

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Roman Bridge

The Roman Bridge of Patras, constructed in the 2nd-3rd century AD, stands as a remarkable testament to Roman engineering. Discovered in the 1980s, this double-arched bridge once carried the Via Publica, connecting Patras and Aigio, and offers a glimpse into ancient Roman infrastructure and transport.

A brief summary to Roman Bridge

Aretha 49, Patras, 264 43, GR

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Take your time to examine the ancient wheel tracks on the bridge's surface, offering a direct connection to the Roman era.
Combine your visit with a trip to other nearby historical sites in Patras, such as the Roman Aqueduct or the Patras Castle.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the area around the bridge involves some walking and exploration.

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Mycenaean Cemetery of Voudeni.

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Getting There

Public Transport

The Roman Bridge is located at Aretha 49, Patra 264 43. From the Patras city center, you can take a local bus towards the northern part of the city. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information. A single bus fare within the city typically costs around €1.60.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Patras. A short taxi ride from the city center to the Roman Bridge will cost approximately €5-€7. You can hail a taxi from the street, find one at Papandreou Square, or call one of the local radio taxi companies. Ensure the meter is running to avoid any overcharges.
Walking

If you are near the northern part of Patras, walking to the Roman Bridge is a viable option. From the city center, it's approximately a 45-60 minute walk. Follow Aretha Street towards the New National Highway; the bridge is located at the junction of Aretha Street and the highway.

Discover more about Roman Bridge

The Roman Bridge of Patras offers a captivating glimpse into the city's rich Roman past. Constructed between the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, this well-preserved bridge is a testament to Roman engineering prowess. It formed part of the Via Publica, a provincial public road that connected Patras with Aigio, facilitating trade and communication in the region.Discovered in the early 1980s during construction work, the bridge is considered the best-preserved double-arched bridge of its kind in Greece. The bridge is made of bricks until the arches, with the rest constructed of stone. The section of the road that passed over the bridge was paved with stone slabs, and the wheel tracks (armatotrohies) made by ancient chariots are still visible today, offering a tangible connection to the past. Low walls on both sides of the bridge protected pedestrians.Interestingly, this bridge replaced an older, smaller single-arched bridge dating back to the 1st century AD. The construction of the new bridge narrowed the opening of the older one, possibly to control water flow for irrigation. Over time, floods buried the riverbed, leading to the construction of a new one further south. Although the bridge eventually fell out of use, the road it supported remained in use for centuries. Recent excavations have unearthed the old riverbed and retaining walls, providing further insights into the bridge's history and its surrounding environment.