One of Kefalonia’s most notable and historical landmarks, the stone De Bosset bridge (or Drapanos Bridge) with its distinctive arches, can be found at Argostoli. It is the longest stone bridge across the sea in Europe, measuring 690 meters in length. It connects Argostoli to the opposite coast, isolating the port area from the Koutavos lagoon.
In the past, the bridge was also used by cars and trucks, but due to its narrowness, a lot of vehicles were repeatedly falling into the sea. Thus, the bridge is currently for pedestrians only.
The original wooden bridge was built in 1813 by Charles Philippe De Bosset, a resident of Kefalonia during the British occupation. He realized the necessity of a connection between Argostoli and the rest of the island, because until then people could reach the town only by small boats or by circling the Koutavos lagoon.
The town council was against the proposal to build the bridge, not only because of the cost, but also because of the possibility of conflicts from the villages across the cove. Despite that, De Bosset continued the works and the bridge was ready in only two weeks. The reaction of the villagers was extremely positive and the whole opposition was eliminated. Charles Napier, later finished what De Bosset had started, building the stone bridge.
Halfway through the bridge, you can admire a tall square obelisk that ascends from the sea. The obelisk carries an inscription paying tribute to the mind behind the whole construction, De Bosset.
While strolling, you might be lucky enough to spot the endangered Caretta carettas swimming near the bridge. The swallow waters of the bay are ideal for these loggerhead sea turtles to mate during late spring.
