Grand Pont, Stone arch bridge in Lausanne, Switzerland
The Grand Pont is a stone arch bridge spanning a ravine in Lausanne, measuring about 175 meters long and rising roughly 13 meters above the ground. It features a distinctive two-level structure with six arches below and nineteen above, all built from masonry materials.
The bridge was built in 1844 to connect the two sides of the ravine for the first time. Major renovations in 1891 added steel reinforcements, while a 1933 update introduced concrete elements to adapt the structure to the city's growing needs.
The bridge serves as a daily passage between two parts of the city and holds official recognition as a cultural property. It shapes how people experience the city layout and how the two neighborhoods relate to each other spatially.
The walkway is easily accessible for pedestrians at any time of day, though mornings and late afternoons see the heaviest foot traffic. It offers a direct route between central neighborhoods and is safest to cross during daylight hours.
A 2022 rehabilitation added special protective curbs made from high-performance fiber cement to shield the stonework from road salt damage. This approach combines modern materials with the need to preserve the historic structure for the future.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
