Pont Saint-Bénézet
bridge in Avignon, France / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Pont Saint-Bénézet (French pronunciation: [pɔ̃ sɛ̃ benezɛ]; Provençal: Pònt de Sant Beneset) is a famous medieval bridge in the town of Avignon, in the south of France. It is also known as the Pont d'Avignon (IPA: [pɔ̃ daviɲɔ̃]).
Pont Saint-Bénézet | |
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Coordinates | 43°57′14″N 4°48′18″E |
Built | 1177–1185 |
Official name: Historic Centre of Avignon: Papal Palace, Episcopal Ensemble and Avignon Bridge | |
Type | Cultural |
Criteria | i, ii, iv |
Designated | 1995 |
Reference no. | 228 |
State Party | France |
Monument historique | |
Official name: Chapelle et pont Saint-Bénézet | |
Designated | 1840 |
Reference no. | PA00081815 |
A wooden bridge was built between 1177 and 1185. It went across the Rhône river between Villeneuve-lès-Avignon and Avignon. This early bridge was destroyed forty years later in 1226. This was during the Albigensian Crusade when Louis VIII of France attacked Avignon. In 1234 building started again for a new bridge with 22 stone arches. The stone bridge was about 900 m (980 yd) long and only 4.9 m (16 ft 1 in) wide. This width included the parapets at the sides. The bridge was abandoned in the mid-17th century. The arches collapsed (broke and fell into the water) each time the Rhône flooded. This made it very expensive to maintain (fix) the bridge.
Four arches and the gatehouse at the Avignon end of the bridge still exist. The Chapel of Saint Nicholas sits on the second pier of the bridge. It was built in the second half of 12th century. It has changed a lot since then. The western terminus, the Tour Philippe-le-Bel also still exists.
The bridge was the inspiration for the French song Sur le pont d'Avignon. The bridge is an important landmark in the city. In 1995, the arches of the bridge, together with the Palais des Papes and Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms were classified as a World Heritage Site.