Gorgopotamos Bridge
Located 8 kilometers from Lamia is the historic Gorgopotamos Bridge. It is one of the most famous railway bridges in Europe due to its destruction during World War II. This was the result of collaboration between the two largest Greek resistance organizations and allied forces. Today, it is an important site of honor and remembrance, and the anniversary of its destruction has been established as an annual nationwide celebration of the National Resistance. Every year, an increasing number of visitors choose to stop in the village of Gorgopotamos, wander its enchanting trails, and admire the view.
Gorgopotamos Bridge
The historic bridge connects Bralos to Lamia and carries the railway line from Athens to Thessaloniki, crossing the Gorgopotamos River, which is a tributary of the Spercheios. It is one of the most famous railway bridges in Europe for reasons that have little to do with the railway itself, as the Gorgopotamos Bridge witnessed one of the most magnificent acts of the National Resistance during the German occupation.
This is one of the most well-known railway bridges in Europe, for reasons that have little to do with the railway itself. The Gorgopotamos Bridge witnessed one of the most magnificent acts of the National Resistance during the German occupation.
It was the result of the collaboration between the two largest resistance organizations, ELAS led by Aris Velouchiotis and EDES led by Napoleon Zervas, under the high guidance of British commandos led by Colonel Eddie Myers and Greek-speaking Major Chris Woodhouse.
The Gorgopotamos Bridge was the only reliable passage to the ports of southern Greece, and its destruction would disrupt the supply route of Rommel's German army in North Africa.
The operation was scheduled for the night of November 25, 1942. Two large explosions disabled the bridge in the early hours of November 26, 1942. The blowing up of the Gorgopotamos Bridge earned the admiration of all of occupied Europe, as it was one of the greatest acts of sabotage during World War II. Furthermore, the destruction of the bridge gained immense symbolic significance, giving courage to the subjugated Greek people.
Today, the Gorgopotamos Bridge is an important site of honor and remembrance. By the law of the Greek State in 1982, the anniversary of the bridge's destruction was established as an annual nationwide celebration of the National Resistance.
Additionally, it offers a wonderful opportunity for excursions in the unique landscape surrounding it, with the sounds of the Gorgopotamos River. Many visitors stop in the area to combine historical knowledge with a beautiful nature hike and the breathtaking view from the bridge.
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