De Bosset Bridge, Kefalonia, Greece
The De Bosset Bridge, also known as the Devoseto Bridge, is a masterpiece of engineering and one of the most emblematic monuments of Kefalonia, which the island's residents and visitors have the opportunity to enjoy.
Built in 1813 over the bay of Argostoli, with a length of 689.9 meters, it reaches the limits of the miraculous, bearing the title of the longest stone bridge in the world, over the sea.
The history of the bridge begins with the Swiss engineer Charles De Bosset, who, taking over the administration of Kefalonia during the period of the British rule, envisioned its construction. Its purpose was to connect Argostoli with the rest of Kefalonia, facilitating access and improving the daily life of the residents.
The construction of the bridge was a feat, as it was carried out with the limited means of the time. Thousands of workers, using local materials, toiled for years, building arch by arch this monumental work. Its completion in 1813 marked a new era for Kefalonia, strengthening its economic development and upgrading its position in the Ionian Sea.
Today, the De Bosset Bridge stands tall, majestically touching the blue waters of the bay. At times it has suffered damage, with part of it collapsing in 2011, but now the necessary repairs have been made and it remains a symbol of endurance and spirit.
The bridge is an attraction for many visitors, who come to admire its architectural perfection, to walk on it (in the past cars also passed but now it has become exclusively pedestrian), enjoying the panoramic view or simply to feel the aura of history that surrounds her.
Πηγές
https://www.gocar.gr
https://www wikipedia.org
Patsch: Die Insel Leukas. Eine geographische Monographie, Ausg. 95-100, P. 86. 1890
PI. Papayianni, V. Pachta, A. Alexiou: Study of the constructing materials, techniques and pathology symptoms of the stone bridge DeBosset in Kefalonia