Pont dels Escalls, Stone road bridge in Escaldes-Engordany, Andorra.
Pont dels Escalls is a stone road bridge in Escaldes-Engordany that crosses the Valira del Nord river and illustrates regional building methods. The structure uses local stone materials and shows the craftwork techniques developed for this mountain landscape.
Pont dels Escalls was built in the 13th century on the old road from Andorra la Vella to Engordany, crossing the Valira del Nord shortly before its confluence with the Valira d'Orient. Tradition holds that the creation of the Principality of Andorra was signed at this bridge between the bishop of Urgell and the count of Foix. It is registered in the Cultural Heritage of Andorra.
Local tradition holds that the Principality of Andorra was created at this bridge, where the bishop of Urgell and the count of Foix are said to have signed the agreement. The name Escalls refers to the spot on the old road from Andorra la Vella to Engordany, above the Valira del Nord shortly before its confluence with the Valira d'Orient.
The bridge functions as part of the active road connection on Carrer dels Escalls and can be crossed on foot or by vehicle. Access is straightforward since the structure sits directly on the street and has no special visitor requirements.
The bridge's single near-semicircular arch springs between two rock outcrops, and its voussoirs are cut from rough tuff while the rest of the face uses stones of varied origin set in irregular courses with lime mortar. The deck is flat, cobbled, and edged by two low stone parapets.
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