The Venetian Bridge, Kalopanayiotis

The Venetian bridge at Kalopanayiotis, thought to have been built in the 16th century, stands in the Marathasa valley in the Troodos range. It crosses the Setrachos river just below the monastery of Ioannis Lambadistis, and it linked the village with the monastery, with the first primary school and with the surrounding farmland. Legend holds that near this bridge the Apostles Paul and Barnabas baptised Saint Heracleidius.

Theofania on the bridge

Every 6 January, at Theofania, the blessing of the Cross takes place on the bridge itself; afterwards loukoumades are handed out in the monastery square. After rainfall the Setrachos runs high, which is when the bridge is at its most photogenic.

The other bridges

This is one of several Venetian bridges on the island. The best known is Tzelefos, in the Paphos mountain range. The others are Roudia, Treis Elies, Mylos and Milia — the first three close together in the Paphos district, the last near Platres village. If you like walking, they make a good route in themselves.