The Devil's Bridge and other hauntings

Greek folk horror wondertales

The bridge pictured is in Greek Thrace, but is in a similar architectural style to those described in the folktales. Much fear and superstition surrounds bridges and their construction in Greek folklore; traditionally at least a rooster, and often a human, must be sacrificed on the cornerstone before the bridge will stay in place. Many such stories reach us from across the Greek countryside, with the most famous being that of Arta Bridge - this will be the topic of a separate posting.

1. The Devil’s Bridge

From Troezen, Peloponnese

There was once a pasha in Damala, and he wanted to bridge the Kremastos river so he could go hunting. Many skilled masons came from many regions, but they were asking for a lot of money because the work was very difficult. But then a poor mason from Damala turned up, and he said he could make the bridge with half the money. The pasha agreed, but he told him that if he failed and didn’t make a solid bridge, he’d cut off his head.

This mason built the bridge dow…