After driving for about an hour from the city of Agrinio to the town of Karpenisi we come across the famous “Episkopi” bridge. The route until the bridge, despite its incredible view of the lake, does not prepare you for what you are about to encounter. From any angle you observe, the size of the bridge and the way it has blended aesthetically with the rest of the landscape makes you feel awe-struck.
Walking across the bridge gives you the opportunity to enjoy an even closer view to the clear blue waters and the small “islands” created after the construction of the “Kremaston” dam. The formation of the landscape combined with the strong wind that often occurs in the area makes you feel like you are somewhere near the seaside.
The Episkopi Bridge is the fourth longest bridge in Greece with a length of 602 meters. It is supported by 7 columns, some of which are close to 100 meters high. The bridge is 9 meters wide and was built between 1972 and 1976.
It is one of the two connections between the prefecture of Aitoloakarnania and the prefecture of Evritania on “Kremaston” Lake, the largest artificial lake in Greece. The lake and the dam took their name from the homonymous village which is located next to the dam.
The village of "Episkopi"
The “Episkopi” Bridge was named after the village of the same name, which was submerged after the construction of the dam and the creation of the artificial lake “Kremaston”. Episkopi was a large village, at the point where the river “Megdovas” passed. The place was flat and the village was located right on the road connecting Karpenisi with Agrinio.
The residents, after receiving some compensation for the homes they would lose, left the area and settled in other areas such as Agrinio and Karpenisi. Some residents, however, remained in the area and built the small village which today is located right next to the bridge, on the Evritania side.
Panagia of Episkopi
It is also remarkable that along with the “Episkopi” village, the Panagia of Episkopi – a historic Byzantine church which is estimated to have been built in the 8th to 9th century – was lost. The church was forever submerged in the waters of the lake created in 1965. Today the church is more than 32 metres below the surface of the lake, and according to reports from divers who submerged in the lake, it is still standing in very good condition.
"Kremaston" Lake
The lake was created in 1965, with the construction of the “Kremaston” dam and when the waters of the “Acheloos”, “Agrafiotis” and “Tavropos” rivers were joined. The waters of the lake, apart from the village of “Episkopi” also flooded other smaller villages in the area. The bridge of Episkopi is one of the best places to admire the view of the blue waters of the lake and the biodiversity of the area.
How to visit the "Episkopi" brige and "Kremaston" Lake
The bridge is about 60km from Agrinio and about 55km from Karpenisi. It is located along the National Road from Agrinio to Karpenisi. The road from both sides is good but has several curves.
Location of "Episkopi" bridge
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