One of the most beautiful landmarks adorning the Epirus landscape in northwestern Greece, the historical bridge of Plaka that has been standing over the Arachthos River for 148 years, collapsed following torrential rains last weekend in the area, which flooded rivers and streams, infrastructure, agricultural land, homes and shops. Experts have already been on site to assess the damage, stating that it’s feasible to restore the bridge using recovered materials, while the National Technical University of Athens will prepare the restoration study.

The 19th century bridge, the largest single-arch stone bridge in Greece and the third largest in Europe, was one of the best-known monuments in the ruggedly beautiful region known as Tzoumerka, a long-time favourite with hikers and the starting point for rafting and canoeing on the Arachthos River. Between 1881 and 1912, the bridge also marked the Greek – Ottoman border and a customs building was erected alongside it, which survives to this date.

The site is also a WWII landmark: in February 1944, it was the location of ceasefire conference, known as the Plaka Agreement, between leaders of Greek resistance organizations for joint action against the German occupying forces, with the deputy chief of the British mission in Greece, Chris Woodhouse, as representative of the allied forces.

Visit Greece: Cross these bridges when you come to Epirus