A cruise along the River Rhone with Riviera Travel on the William Shakespeare.
Part 4 of this series takes us to another UNESCO World Heritage site to see the stunning Roman aqueduct, The Pont du Gard.
Part 1 - an introduction to a Riviera Travel Autumn cruise along the River Rhone from Avignon and Arles to Lyon: • A Riviera Travel cruis...
Part 2: Historic Avignon: • A Rhone river cruise -...
Part 3: Historic Arles: • A walk around Historic...
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The Pont du Gard is an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge located in southern France, near the town of Vers-Pont-du-Gard, in the region of Occitanie. It is one of the most well-preserved Roman aqueducts in the world and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here are some key points about the Pont du Gard:
Purpose and Construction: The Pont du Gard was built by the Romans in the 1st century AD, during the reign of Emperor Augustus (27 BC - 14 AD). Its primary purpose was to carry water from the springs near Uzès to the Roman city of Nemausus (present-day Nîmes), approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) away. The aqueduct supplied water for the city's baths, fountains, and private homes.
Architecture: The bridge spans the Gardon River and consists of three tiers of arches. The bottom tier comprises six arches, the middle tier has eleven arches, and the top tier contains thirty-five arches, making a total of fifty-three arches. The bridge stands approximately 48.8 meters (160 feet) high at its highest point and is around 275 meters (900 feet) in length.
Engineering Feat: The construction of the Pont du Gard showcases the remarkable engineering skills of the ancient Romans. The bridge was built using precisely cut blocks of limestone without the use of mortar. The stones were fitted together with such precision that the structure has endured for over two millennia.
Functionality: The aqueduct transported water from the spring of Eure near Uzès to Nîmes, covering a distance of around 50 kilometers (31 miles). The water channel inside the bridge was designed to maintain a slight gradient to ensure the flow of water. The Pont du Gard's strategic location allowed it to cross the Gardon River at its narrowest point, minimizing the amount of construction required.
Historical Significance: The Pont du Gard remained in use as an aqueduct for several centuries, even after the fall of the Roman Empire. However, with the decline of the Roman cities in the region, the maintenance of the aqueduct ceased. Over time, the Pont du Gard fell into disrepair. Despite this, it continued to be recognized for its architectural and historical significance.
Preservation and Tourism: In the 18th century, efforts were made to preserve the Pont du Gard, recognizing its importance as a historical monument. In the present day, it is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world who come to admire its engineering marvel and learn about its rich history. Visitors can walk along the bridge, explore the surrounding landscape, and visit the museum and visitor center to learn more about the aqueduct and its significance.
Overall, the Pont du Gard stands as a testament to the ingenuity and skill of ancient Roman engineers and remains one of the most iconic and well-preserved examples of Roman engineering in the world.
27 авг 2024
