13/05/2024
Did you know there is a Roman bridge in Marseille? 🏛️
Known locally as the “Vieux Pont” or the “Pont Romain” of Saint-Marcel, in the 11th district of Marseille, is it relatively unknown 🌉
It was built in 49 BC by Julius Caesar’s army during his siege of Marseille, as part of his civil war against Pompey 🧨
It was partially destroyed by the Saracens in the 7th century, leaving only the columns. It was replaced by a wooden bridge, before the double arch bridge we see today was constructed by the viscounts of Marseille in the Medieval period 🏰
Pedestrians could use the bridge to cross the l’Huveaune river (which still flows under it today) until the beginning of the 20th century 🚶♂️
Today it is at risk of collapsing and is in need of urgent repair ‼️