Pont Valentré
Bridge in Cahors, France / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Pont Valentré (French pronunciation: [pɔ̃ valɑ̃tʁe]) (Occitan: Pont de Balandras; English: Valentré Bridge) is a 14th-century six-span fortified stone arch bridge crossing the river Lot to the west of Cahors, in France. It has become a symbol of the city.
Pont Valentré | |
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Coordinates | 44°26′42″N 1°25′54″E |
Crosses | Lot[1] |
Locale | Cahors, France |
Characteristics | |
Design | arch bridge[1] |
Material | Stone[1] |
Total length | 138 metres (453 ft)[1] |
Width | 5 metres (16 ft)[1] |
Height | 40 metres (130 ft) (towers)[1] |
Longest span | 6 × 16.5 metres (54 ft)[1] |
No. of spans | 6 |
History | |
Construction start | 17 June 1308[1] |
Construction end | 1378 |
Opened | 1350; 674 years ago (1350)[1] |
Location | |
After the decision was made to build it on 30 April 1306, construction began on 17 June 1308.[1] It was built between 1308 and 1378 with six Gothic arches and three square bridge towers.[2] It opened for use in 1350.[1] It was originally fortified at both ends; the western tower has not survived.[3]
This bridge was originally built due to the Franco-English Hundred Years' War.[4]
A major restoration was performed from 1867 to 1879 by Paul Gout.[1][3][5]
The bridge was classified in 1998 as a World Heritage Site.[6]
This bridge can only be crossed by foot.