Euripus, the first drawbridge in the world is located in Greece

The bridge of Chalkida holds twenty-five hundred years of history, thus making it the most vibrant and focal point within this town.

It is impossible to ignore it, not to pass by it, not to stop and look at its “mad waters” or not to observe it yawn sometimes allowing sailing vessels, magnificent yachts, freighters and other boats whose height doesn’t allow them pass under a closed bridge at least once.

The “crazy waters” of Chalkida

The “crazy waters” of Chalkida, as they have become known, refer to the Euripus phenomenon in which if one systematically observes the current in question.

One will see that while on 22-23 days it shows a regularity of changing direction every 6 hours, just like the tide, on the remaining 6-7 days of the month the current becomes so irregular that it can change direction even 14 times within the same 24 hours!

The Cultural and Historical Significance

There are no written testimonies about the bridging before the 5th BC. century, except perhaps for Hesiod’s statement (f. 650, “Works and Days”) that he passed from Boeotia to Euboia by ship: “I have never been a furniture-maker, I am not a Euboian from Aulis”.So in the 8th century BC, the Strait had no bridge.After all, there are significant indications that the width of the strait in ancient times at the location of today’s Chalkida was too large to be able to speak of a bridge. Apart from the geographical footprint by Ptolemy, the non-existence of a bridge is also reinforced by the extent of the embankment works of the Strait, during the 5th BC. century, as eloquently described by Diodorus the Sicilian.

The first record of the existence of a bridge is made at the end of the 5th century BC. and specifically in 410 BC, when the Chalcidians, after withdrawing from the Athenian Alliance and fearing a naval blockade as retaliation, allied themselves with the Thebans and decided to fortify the city to protect it from an imminent enemy attack and above all to cut in this way the maritime communication between Athens and Thessaly. Initially they built 2 towers on the embankments that existed on both sides of the city, controlling in this way, all of Euboikos while they also built a wooden bridge to protect its defenders.

Alexader the Great

With the passage of G. Alexander, from the city of Chalkida, in the years 334 BC, he decided to build new gates and towers.

Ther Roman period

In the Roman period we again have references to the bridge and the towers that flank it with the width of the channel being recorded at approximately 60 meters.

The Byzantine Period

In the Byzantine period and under Justinian there are clear references to the existence of a drawbridge that allows navigation. Most of the strait is blocked leaving only a narrow section for ships to pass through.

The Venetians

With the arrival of the Venetians in Chalkida, the Euripos strait acquires a distinct strategic and commercial value. As a result, several works are being done that greatly change the form of the link as it had been kept almost unchanged for centuries.

The change

The first important change is the creation of the second branch of the strait when the intermediate continental island (“Epithalassio Fort”) was created and fortified, which was revealed when a part of the Boeotian embankment was removed. Now, the islet is connected to Boeotia by a stone arched bridge, with a number of 5-6 arches.

The main strait, the one that separates the continental island from Chalkida, is being widened, and may be bridged with a short stone arched bridge, but it continues to serve the Navy through a movable wooden bridge. To this end, the channel was systematically deepened (between 1408 and 1414).

In addition to the drawbridge that served navigation, there are also one or two apakas – small wooden trusses – probably on either side of the islet’s fortress, which for reasons of added security had the possibility to be raised before the gates were closed. This lifting is done from inside the Gate, by means of chains and pulleys.

During the Turkish occupation, the construction did not change significantly with the exception of the possible reduction of openings due to additional embankments from both the Boeotian and Euboean coasts. Thus, it is likely that the stone arches that connected the fortress to the coast were reduced, while the opening that served navigation must also have been reduced to just 12 meters since according to records, only one galley could pass with the oars together.

After the liberation from the Turks the bridge has not changed but has been abandoned and is in a bad condition that allows it to partially serve navigation.

The museum’s vast collection includes priceless artifacts from prehistoric, ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine eras, showcasing the remarkable achievements of Greek civilization across the millennia. Highlights include the iconic Antikythera Mechanism, the Mycenaean Gold Treasures, and the stunning Kouros statues, which captivate visitors with their artistic brilliance and historical significance.

In 1867 during the reign of Otto, with a project of exceptional technical and national importance, the first new bridge was created after the National Works. In fact, the Greek state comes close to creating the first self-financed project with a partnership between the private and public sectors in the year 1843! By royal decree, the Municipality of Chalkide had the right to grant for 26 years the right to collect ferries and tolls to a private person with the obligation of the private person to undertake the cleaning of the ferry and the construction of the drawbridge. After fruitless efforts in 1949 to create a company to undertake the project, a law of 1853 legislated its public financing.

The chief engineer of the new project is the great Greek engineer Dim. M. Skalistiris Lieutenant of the Engineer, graduate of the Ecole des Ponts et Chaussees of Paris and later Professor of Statics and Engineering at the Polytechnic (1864), as well as Professor of Bridge Construction (1869) but also later the first Director of the newly established Department of Public Works (at the Ministry of Internal).

The main (to Chalkida) channel widens to approximately 20.0 meters,and deepens to approximately 6.0 meters of water. All the underwater work is done by hand, up to the 6.5 meter long and five-point diameter shafts ordered by Skalistiris in Syros for the excavation of the rock formation found under the old seabed! And all this under conditions of high tides and storms. Many convicts who work in this project show great dedication and hard work while redeeming their sentence.

It is said that the preliminary study of the new bridge was drawn up by French Engineers of the post-revolutionary French Mission. In time, before 1857, the mobile iron part, the rotating “folding” bridge, had been ordered in France.

The inauguration of the bridge took place on January 6, 1858, in the presence of the Royal couple, after it had been postponed twice. The first because the horses carrying the royal mission fell ill and the second because the royal yacht encountered difficulties due to rough seas

But the exposure of so many (small-scale) sensitive iron members to unimpeded sea erosion must have led to a rather rapid decay of some members of the bridge. So relatively early, in 1890, the need for its replacement arises and the bridge is demolished.

Traffic is now served by a floating ferry.

Best Time to Visit: Weather and Tourist Seasons

When planning your trip to Athens, it’s essential to consider the best time to visit based on your preferences for weather and crowd levels. The city experiences a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The peak tourist season runs from June to August, when temperatures can soar above 30°C (86°F) and popular attractions become crowded. If you prefer milder weather and fewer crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of April to May or September to October, when temperatures are more comfortable and tourist numbers are lower.

Getting Around Athens: Public Transport and Walking Tours

Athens offers a comprehensive public transportation system, making it easy to navigate the city and reach its many attractions. The metro (link) is the most efficient way to get around, with three lines connecting the city center to outlying areas. Buses and trams are also available, providing access to destinations not served by the metro. For a more immersive experience, consider joining our walking tours in Athens led by knowledgeable local guides. These tours offer unique insights into the city’s history, culture, and hidden gems, allowing you to explore Athens from a different perspective.

Safety Tips and Health Precautions

While Athens is generally a safe city for travelers, it’s always a good idea to take basic safety precautions. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas like tourist hotspots and public transportation and keep your valuables secure.In terms of health precautions, make sure to stay hydrated, especially during the hot summer months, and protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. If you have any specific health concerns, it’s advisable to consult with your doctor before your trip and ensure that you have adequate travel insurance.

Souvenirs and Memories: Bringing a Piece of Athens Home

No trip to Athens would be complete without bringing home a unique souvenir to remember your visit. The city offers a wide range of shopping options, from traditional Greek products like olive oil, honey, and ouzo to handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, and textiles. For an authentic shopping experience, head to the Monastiraki Flea Market, where you’ll find a vibrant array of stalls selling everything from antiques and vintage clothing to local handicrafts and souvenirs. Other popular shopping areas include the upscale boutiques of Kolonaki, the charming streets of Plaka, and the modern shopping centers like Athens Metro Mall and Golden Hall.

Due to the now increased needs of both road traffic and navigation, an additional deepening of the channel is required (it now reaches 8.5 meters) and a doubling of the width to 40 meters.Unfortunately, along with this important project, the three-arched stone bridge of 1857 is also filled up and the two Venetian towers of the Sea Fortress of Chalkida are demolished. An action that, beyond being politically emblematic, is not justified by the needs of the new bridge, as typically mentioned by Th.P. Tasios in the essay on the Movable Bridges of Euripus.

The work of opening the strait lasted five years, and around the end of 1895 the new 40-meter steel bridge arrived in Chalkida from Italy. The inauguration of Italy’s now manually operated swing bridge took place on April 17, 1896.

The development in road transport made the width of the bridge insufficient and combined with the limitations on the load it could serve made the bridge non-functional. Nevertheless, it served the needs of Chalkida and Evia for about 65 years.

The almost blowing up of the Italian Bridge

In October 1944, with the withdrawal of the German troops from occupied Evia, the German Harbor Master orders to blow up the bridge as they wanted to prevent in any way the allies from following them during their withdrawal. The German troops of Evia were ordered to gather in Volos from where they would leave for Germany. Read how the Chalkida bridge was saved from the explosion and why Evia was cut off from the mainland for two days.

The development in road transport made the width of the bridge insufficient and combined with the limitations on the load it could serve made the bridge non-functional. Nevertheless, it served the needs of Chalkida and Evia for about 65 years.

In 1959, the Ministry of Public Works then announces an international tender for the Study and Construction of the new bridge of the Evripos strait. The interest was great, and 6 tenders were submitted, of which four were a collaboration between a Greek company and a foreign company, one was purely foreign and one purely Greek.

Out of the six proposals, the only purely Greek proposal of “EDOK S.A.” was selected. BIO S.A.” which, in addition to causing the least possible spatial and aesthetic disturbance in the city, was also the most economical and with the lowest maintenance costs.

The five other proposals involved a drawbridge or folding bridge (like the Italian one) and consequently had both an aesthetic and spatial cost to the city. The proposed drawbridge was the first of its kind internationally.

The mechanical principle of operation of the bridge, the study and design of its metal parts and mechanical equipment were the work of Dipl. of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering NTUA Regt. Malaki Technical Director of BIO. As a whole, this important work was the result of collaboration between E. Malakis and Omot. NTUA Professor Theod. Tassiou – at the beginning of his professional career – responsible for the Civil Engineering design and study in one of the first applications in our country of prestressed concrete.

In 1963 and after two and a half years of work, the new electric bridge of Evripos will be inaugurated. It is worth noting that another advantage of the chosen solution was its parallel coexistence with the Italian bridge so that road traffic and navigation are not obstructed.

The new drawbridge is 42 meters long and 11 meters wide, has two traffic lanes and pedestrian walkways. Her frame is iron while the deck remains wooden. The thickness of the slab covering the two ditches (the ‘boxes’ into which the bridge is sunk) is only 30cm, an achievement for that time, so that no great descent of the bridge was required before ‘sliding’.

Its operating mechanism is extremely simple, but a global standard for the time. When the bridge is to be opened for navigation, mechanical jacks are raised and make contact with the main girder of the bridge, at which point the bridge support plates are removed outwards. The jacks are then lowered, allowing the bridge to descend by 0.63 cm, while simultaneously folding the railings. Now the bridge wheels sit on the rail, and the pulling of each arm into its respective tunnel begins.

In 1996, the drawbridge of Evripos acquired an asphalted deck and to this day continues to unite and at the same time separate the two parts of the city of Chalkida.

For the passage of the Old Bridge of Evripos, temporary mooring, mooring, mooring of ships at the anchorage while waiting for passage is required, payment of the passage fee at the “Euripo Bridge Docking & Passage Fees Office” within the Port of Chalkida, the vessels interested in crossing must be in good condition waiting for passage on channel 12 VHF/FM, from 21:00 each day, in order to receive the relevant instructions from the Central Port Authority of Chalkida.

The cost of passing boats from the ferry is from €23 to €40 (plus VAT) and increases depending on the tonnage.

The opening hours of the “Euripou Bridge docking & crossing fees” office are Monday to Friday 08.00 – 22.00 and Saturday – Sunday 18.00 – 22.00.

For more information contact OLNE SA or phone 2221022275