Le Pont Médiéval - Saint-Germain de Confolens, France
Posted by: pmaupin
N 46° 03.228 E 000° 40.982
31T E 320767 N 5102634
[EN] The medieval bridge connects Sainte-Radegonde (commune of Lessac) to Saint-Germain, it is a construction of the 12th century, contemporary and perhaps prior to that of Confolens. [FR] Le pont médiéval relie Sainte-Radegonde (commune de Lessac) à Saint-Germain, c'est une construction du XIIe siècle, contemporain et peut-être antérieur à celui de Confolens.
Waymark Code: WM139NY
Location: Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
Date Posted: 10/20/2020
Views: 9
"This bridge dates from the 12th century. Before its construction, the crossing of the Vienne was carried out by a ford located at the level of the island of Saint-Germain. It measures approximately 115 meters long and is composed of nine arches.
The seventh arch (starting from Sainte-Radégonde) seems more recent, because it was built in limestone while the bridge is in granite. She may have replaced a drawbridge.
In 1882, major work led to the leveling of the spurs on the piers, the disappearance of the refuges above the spurs, the leveling of the roadway and the installation of metal guardrails.
Unfortunately, when it was enlarged at the end of the 19th century, it underwent a restoration which almost entirely removed its antiquity and its picturesque side. "
Sources : The Bridge
"Ce pont daterait du XIIe siècle. Avant sa construction, la traversée de la Vienne s'effectuait par un gué situé au niveau de l'île de Saint-Germain. Il mesure environ 115 mètres de long et est composé de neuf arches.
La septième arche (en partant de Sainte-Radégonde) semble plus récente, car construite en calcaire alors que le pont est en granite. Elle a peut-être remplacé un pont-levis.
En 1882, d'importants travaux ont entraîné l‘arasement des éperons des piles, la disparition des refuges au-dessus des éperons, le nivellement de la chausséc et la pose de garde-corps métalliques.
Malheureusement, lors de son élargissement vers la fin du XIXe siècle, il a subi une restauration qui lui a enlevé presque entièrement son caractère de vétusté et son côté pittoresque."
Sources : Le Pont
Length of bridge: 115 m
What type of traffic does this bridge support?: the bridge is open to motor vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians only / le pont est ouvert aux tramways, vélos et piétons seulement
What kind of gap does this bridge cross?: The bridge crosses the river "Vienne"
Date constructed: 12th century
Is the bridge still in service for its original purpose?: yes
Name of road or trail the bridge services: D 168
Location: Saint-Germain de Confolens, Charente, France
Height of bridge: Not listed
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