The bridge of Mavrozoumaina is located outside the village of Neochori and is the oldest bridge in operation in Europe. It was built in 369 BC and with reconstructions over the centuries it is still in use today. Parts of the ancient bridge, such as its foundations and its lower part are still visible today.
The bridge of Mavrozoumaina is a unique architectural Mycenaean work, as it is a triple bridge with arches forming the letter ‘Y’ and connecting three roads. Below it, two ancient rivers, the Amfitos and the Lefkasia, joined together and continued their course to the Pamiso River. The bridge was located on the ancient road that led to ancient Messene from the east and is about 1.5 km from the Arcadian Gate.
Its name is due to the reconstruction made in the 12th or 13th century AD by the wife of a general Mavrozoumis. A second reconstruction took place during the Ottoman occupation, as the inscription on a stone testifies: “Εκενεόθη το διωφίρι της Μαυροζούμενα δι έξοδον εμού Σινάν Σουμπασιού Καριτενού” (The bridge of Mavrozumena was repaired for the exit from the villages of Karitaina).
