Pont Valentré

Pont Valentré
Coordinates 44°26′42″N 1°25′54″E / 44.44500°N 1.43167°E / 44.44500; 1.43167Coordinates: 44°26′42″N 1°25′54″E / 44.44500°N 1.43167°E / 44.44500; 1.43167
Crosses Lot River[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]
Number of spans 6
History
Construction begin 17 June 1308[1]
Construction end 1378
Opened 1350[1]
Pont Valentré
Location in France
Illuminations of the Pont Valentré from the Croix de Magne.

The Pont Valentré (Occitan: Pont de Balandras; English: Valentré Bridge) is a 14th-century six-span fortified stone arch bridge crossing the Lot River to the west of Cahors, in France. It has become a symbol of the city.

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, but the western tower has not survived.[3]

A major restoration was performed from 1867 to 1879 by Paul Gout.[1][3][4]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Valentré Bridge at Structurae. Retrieved on 2009-10-01.
  2. ↑ Le Pont Valentré
  3. 1 2 American Society of Civil Engineers (2008). Bridges 2009. ASCE. p. October bridge. ISBN 978-0-7844-1001-1.
  4. ↑ Paul Gout in the Structurae database. Retrieved on 2009-10-01.

See also

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