What I can see

On a main avenue of the city, the Mesogeion Avenue, we see a contemporary footbridge designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. It is 94m long, 6m high from the ground, and has a 50m high pillar. Metal rays extend outward along the entire length of the bridge, with the shape evoking that of an ancient trireme or harp. It is also illuminated from below, and has escalators and an elevator. Despite its impressive design and size, many seem to view the bridge as a constructive exaggeration, because it is out of scale compared to most surrounding buildings and has been a high-cost project for the purpose it serves.

What I can't see

Around this point, the municipality of Athens begins. The bridge, therefore, functions as a gate to the historic city and is also located on the route of the classic marathon. When creating its design, the architect was inspired by ancient ships, musical instruments, furniture, and the ancient tombstone and seat of Hegeso. The same architect also renovated the Olympic Sports Centre (O.A.K.A.) for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, thus leaving his artistic imprint upon two sites in the city.

Info

• Address: Messogeion Av.

Bibliography