Ntempriz Bridge

Ntempriz Bridge Γέφυρα Ντεμπρίζ
View to the south
Coordinates	37°03′19.3″N 21°52′29.7″E
Crosses	Velikas river
Locale	Strefi, Messinia, Greece
Other name(s)	Greek: Στρεφέικο Γεφύρι
Characteristics
Design	Arch bridge
Material	Limestone
No. of spans	2
History
Construction end	Francocracy
Location

The Ntempriz Bridge (Greek: Γέφυρα Ντεμπρίζ), also known as Strefeiko Gefyri (Greek: Στρεφέικο Γεφύρι), is an arch bridge situated in Messinia, approximately 1 km west of Strefi village crossing the canyon where Velikas river runs through. A few hundred meters southeast of the bridge there are the remains of Ntepriz castle which lies on a hill and its residents probably were primary users of the bridge. It was built during the Francocracy period in Greece, to connect Pylos with Messini broader areas.

Description

Made of limestone stones and having just enough width for a carriage, it is arched with two spans, a large main arched span with a slight obtuse angle that accommodates most of the river discharge and a secondary triangular much smaller one on side of the river it crosses. In the past a watermill used to be situated at its exit.

Date

While most sources agree that the bridge was built during Francocracy, there hasn't been conducted enough research for a more precise date to be estimated. Nevertheless, it is considered to be one of oldest bridges in Messinia.

Gallery

• 
  Bridge detail in the big arch where the abutment is visible
• 
  Bridge detail of a small triangular arch
• 
  Roadway as seen from top
• 
  Bridge detail from stream level. This photo was shot during summertime so the river water level was low

See also

• List of bridges in Greece