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 Pont Vell de Besalú — Besalú (Girona), Spain Posted by:  prussel
N 42° 11.960 E 002° 42.089
31T E 475354 N 4671951
Romanesque stone arch bridge from the 11th century that spans the river Fluvià
Waymark Code: WMGGJB
Location: Cataluña, Spain
Date Posted: 03/04/2013
Views: 8
The medieval bridge with their characteristic silhouette is the landmark of the city and spans the Riu Fluvià with seven different sized bows.
Besalú's bridge was first documented 1075. In 1385 King Pere, el Cerimoniós, fortified Besalú again which resulted in modifications to the bridge's original architecture. Throughout the years, wars and floods have been a part of its history.
Its arches have taken an angular shape due to the settlement of its pillars on the natural stone of the river. With 105 metres in length, the bridge is one of the most impressive works of civil engineering in Catalunya. It is protected on the side of the city through a gate and in it's centre by a fortified tower, each with a portcullis. During the medieval era, county tolls were set on bridges, charging one coin per person and a set amount for cargo loads.
During the Spanish civil war the bridge was blasted with dynamite and was later rebuilt by the architect Danés i Torres. At present, the bridge is Besalú's symbol and is the most suitable access to the old town.
source: Wikipedia, Structurae
Length of bridge: 135 m
Height of bridge: 15 m
What type of traffic does this bridge support?: pedestrians, hikers, bicycle
What kind of gap does this bridge cross?:
Fluvià river
Date constructed: XI th century
Is the bridge still in service for its original purpose?: yes, but no motor vehicles allowed
Name of road or trail the bridge services: access to the city
Location:
Besalú (Garrotxa)
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Visit Instructions:
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