Saint Bénézet bridge in Avignon

history of the bridge Saint Bénézet

Avignon's bridge > history of the Saint Bénézet bridge > Saint Bénézet > the song "on the bridge of Avignon"

extract from 16th century map - bibliothèque municipale d'Avignon

The Avignon's bridge was built on Saint Bénézet's initiative and wear his name since. This young and simple shepherd, coming from Vivarais (a northern region 100 km from Avignon) succeed to convince the Avignon's notables and collected the funds necessary for the building. The works began in 1177, were probably stood a ruin roman bridge, the bridge is achieved eight years later in 1185.

The Romanesque bridge was made of 22 arches and was 947 meters length. It crossed the two arms of the Rhone river, from Avignon to the village of Saint André, soon renamed Villeneuve. It's roadway is four meters width. It's a monumental building at this time, it is the only stony bridge across the Rhone River between Lyon (200 km north from Avignon) and Mediterranean see (100 km south). It attracts travellers and merchants. Taxes collected on marchandises makes the fortune the city of Avignon.

The bridge is partly destroyed in 1226 after the king of France Louis VIII had besieged and taken Avignon. But it is quickly rebuilt. The religious Order of Pontiff brothers (from latin pontifex meaning bridge-builder), founded by Saint Bénézet cares for the Bridge's maintenance and restoration after the frequent damages due to the Rhone river assaults.

During the 17th century, the bridge is damaged and requires constant repairs, soon too costly. The stony arches are replaces by wood., and eventually the bridge is abandonned to ruin. In 1674, its last arches threaten to fall down so the Saint Bénézet's relics are moved from the Saint Nicolas chapel to the Celestins church.

draw of the Saint Bénézet briddge by Father Martelange 17th century

Four arches still stand today, consolidated in the 19th century with the Saint Nicolas Chapel, dedicated to the boatman fraternity. The Saint Bénézet bridge is an icon for Avignon, its celebrity attracts many visitors.

Avignon' Saint Bénézet bridge in 1840 - anonymus - Musée Calvet d'Avignon

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