Where is the highest bridge in Greece, who built it

The 130m high bridge is breathtaking in its impressive appearance, while also being an important “artery” that makes everyday life easier for local residents.

Bridges are iconic structures for human society because they connect two or more points across an intermediate obstacle. They enable people, vehicles, etc. to cross rivers, streams, sea straits, resulting in seamless communication between different territories with all the consequences that follow, among other things, promoting tourism and the economy of the region.

Bridges are also widely represented in our country, but none dominates at a higher altitude than the Aradayna Bridge, spanning the gorge of the same name in Chania, Crete.

At 138 metres high, it is the second highest in Europe and has become a popular spot for bungee jumping enthusiasts.
The history of the bridge begins in 1985, when its construction began on the initiative of the Vardinojannis family.
The bridge, built in 1986, was not only a technical achievement, but also a social project of great importance for the local community.
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Before this impressive bridge was built, Communication between the villages on both sides of the gorge was extremely difficult. In particular Residents had to climb up and down the steep slopes of the canyon on foot or on donkeyswhich made movement difficult and dangerous.

The Aradayna Bridge, also known as the Vardinogianni Bridge, connected these villages, such as Agios Ioannis and Anopoli, with the rest of Sfakia, facilitating the daily life of the residents and contributing to the economic development of the region.

The decisive contribution to the implementation of this project was made by the then prefectural councilor Sifis Manousakas. The implementation of the project was also the result of the efforts of Theodoros Polyrakis, who held the position of leader of the community of Agios Ioannis Sfakion for 33 years.

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