The
Arachthos is a
river in eastern
Epirus,
Greece. Its source is in the
Pindus mountains, near the town
Metsovo (
Ioannina regional unit). Its upper course is known as
Metsovitikos. From its confluence with the Dipotamos near the village of
Batza it is called Arachthos. It flows towards the south, passing between the
Athamanika and the
Xerovouni mountains. In this place meets the
Plaka Bridge, the largest one-arch stone bridge in Greece. It enters the large Pournari Reservoir, in the
Arta regional unit, which is about 18 km² and prevents flooding of the city of
Arta and also supplies water to most of
Epirus. The town of
Peta is situated near the dam.
Arta, about 8 km downstream of the dam, is the largest town on the river. Arta's historic landmark is the stone
Bridge of Arta over the Arachthos. The river continues through the lowlands south of Arta, and finally empties into the
Ambracian Gulf near
Kommeno, 16 km southeast of Arta.