Zákas: Hiking on the O3 and the Ziakas Bridge

Zákas lies at the foot of Mount Orliakas at an altitude of 900 metres. For planning your trip, you can consider two distinct highlights: the O3 hiking trail from Ziákas to Spilaio and the stone Ziakas Bridge. For the route, length and difficulty are key; for the bridge, construction date, dimensions and its former role in transport also come into play. This lets you consider hiking and historic structures as separate interests for your stay.

O3 hiking trail: length and difficulty rating

The O3 hiking trail runs from Ziákas to Spilaio and is 3 km long. An older route description rates it as moderate and describes it as well marked. Length, difficulty and trail markings are three different indicators: the kilometre figure gives the distance, “moderate” is the rating, and the markings offer guidance on the route. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

The stone Ziakas Bridge

The stone Ziakas Bridge was built in the late 19th century during Ottoman rule. It has two arches; the larger western main arch is 7.50 metres high. The bridge is about 41 metres long and 3.10 metres wide overall. These measurements describe different dimensions: 7.50 metres refers to the main arch, while the length and width apply to the entire structure. This distinguishes the height of the main arch from the bridge’s overall dimensions. Together with the two arches, these details provide a specific description of its design.

The bridge is three kilometres from the village of the same name. This distance is not the length of the O3, even though both figures have the same numerical value. The hiking trail runs between Ziákas and Spilaio; for the bridge, the figure indicates its distance from the village. When comparing distances as you plan your trip, keep their respective reference points in mind: the route and the distance from the village answer different questions.

River and historic trade route

The Velonias flows beneath the bridge; it is a tributary of the Venetikos. The first detail describes the river’s immediate course beneath the structure, while the second places the Velonias in relation to the Venetikos. The river setting thus adds a landscape context to the architectural details.

The road across the bridge was known as Vasiliki Strata and once served as an important trade route. Aromanians travelled along it in trading caravans bound for Thessaly. The two historical details answer different questions: the late 19th century dates the bridge’s construction; Vasiliki Strata names the road and describes its former role in trade. The destination of Thessaly specifies the direction of trade. The bridge’s construction date and its trading history therefore offer two distinct ways of understanding it.

Discover more destinations: Grevená, Dotsiko, Samarina, Aidonia, Polineri, Smixi, Aetia, Lipsi.

For the regional travel overview: Grevena.