A famous bridge located in the town of Avignon, Pont St Bénézet (or Pond d'Avignon, as it's also known) was built some time between 1171 and 1185, and was designed to span the Rhône River between Avignon and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. The bridge was originally 900m in length. It suffered frequent collapses due to floods, and was destroyed during the siege of 1226, leaving only four arches standing.

In the 12th century, a Confraternity named the "oeuvre du pont" (the Bridge Workers) raised enough in tolls to construct a Gothic stone bridge in its place. The bridge became part of a pilgrimage route between Italy and Spain, and became paved in 1377. The bridge has now mostly collapsed, but it's still possible to visit what is left. Situated on the bridge is also the small Romanseque chapel of Saint Bénézet. The bridge is also famously know for the French song "Sur le pont d'Avignon."

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Last edited on Nov 8, 09 12:49 PM.
Contributors: Eric M. Show History

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Annemie T.

Ab S.

Feb 16, 2009

The Bridge is unfinished and ends in the middle of the river. looks pretty cool, especially at night. 'they' say the bridge had several collapses during floods and it haad zo be reconstruucted a lot. I guess after the 3rd time they got tired of it...

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