Tzelefos bridge - Gefiri tou Tzelefou
Tzelefos bridge (Gefiri tou Tzelefou – Greek: γεφύρι του Τζιελεφού) is a Venetian bridge and is located at an altitude of about 440 meters within the deep forest of Paphos. The bridge is situated 6 kilometers from the village of Agios Nikolaos and can be accessed by driving to it from either Paphos, Troodos, or Limassol. No matter of which of the three driving routes, all of them offer magnificent picturesque views which everyone will enjoy.
The Gefiri tou Tzelefou is the largest and biggest medieval stone bridge ever built on Cyprus and it was built over the river of Diarizos. In ancient times, the bridge was called “Vokaria” – Greek “Βόκαρος”. The current name of the bridge “Tzelefos” – Greek: κέλεφος, means weak or sick and comes from the word “shell” – Greek “κέλυφος” which is connected to a person or an incident during the construction of the bridge.
The ends of the arch are built of river stones and they are in an excellent condition as well as the peak of the bridge which is the most sensitive point. On the south side of the bridge a small cross on a stone can be found but it is barely visible. On both entrances of the bridge there is a waiting point which demonstrates that there was intense activity during the middle Ages, since it is also said that it was the main point where Paphos was connected to other continents. The bridge served the needs of the region, linking the villages of the West Bank (Milikouri, Vretsia , Agios Ioannis) with the villages of the eastern shore (Agios Nikolaos, Kaminaria and Three Olives).
The most important characteristic of the Gefiri tou Tzelefou bridge is the great height above the river and the small width of the pavement where the rushing waters of the river could not block the bridge by uprooted trees and branches and destroy it. The Gefiri tou Tzelefou is considered as one of the most magical places to see across the whole island as it was built on an area with rich vegetation within the deep forest. The Dam of Arminou is also in front of you as the river ends to the dam.
Location: Paphos Forest, 6 Km from Agios Nikolaos Village
