Epirus

Arta

A legendary stone bridge and Byzantine churches beside the Arachthos.

Image: Vassiliki Feidopoulou · CC BY-SA 4.0 · credit details

Why go

A legendary stone bridge and Byzantine churches beside the Arachthos.

Arta is an underrated Epirus city with the celebrated Bridge of Arta, exceptional Byzantine monuments and access to the Amvrakikos wetlands.

The four-arched Bridge of Arta crosses the Arachthos River and anchors one of Greece's best-known folk legends. Within the city, the Church of Panagia Parigoritissa and other Byzantine monuments reflect Arta's period as the capital of the Despotate of Epirus.

The archaeological museum follows the region from ancient Ambracia onward. South, the lagoons of the Amvrakikos Gulf support pelicans and fishing communities, while Tzoumerka's mountains rise to the east.

Practical information

Intercity buses serve Arta; a car helps with Byzantine sites outside the centre and Amvrakikos wetlands. Check church hours and dress respectfully.