Pont Flavien, Roman bridge in Saint-Chamas, France.
Pont Flavien is a limestone bridge over the Touloubre, 21.4 metres long and 6.2 metres wide, with a single wide arch. At each end stands a stone arch 7 metres high, broader than tall, with fluted Corinthian pilasters topped by carved eagles and pairs of lions.
The structure was built in the first century as part of a Roman road connecting Marseille and Arles. It was constructed under the direction of Lucius Donnius Flavos, whose name remains preserved in inscriptions on the stone.
Each arch carries the same Latin inscription, naming Lucius Donnius Flavos, a flamen of Rome and Augustus, who ordered the bridge built in his will under Caius Donnius Vena and Caius Attius Rufius. Acanthus scrolls run along the frieze, and a wave pattern between them stands for the constant rebirth of life.
The bridge is freely accessible to pedestrians and cyclists without any special preparation or equipment needed. It sits along walking trails in the Bouches-du-Rhône region and can be easily visited during a casual walk.
It is the only surviving Roman bridge in the world that still has its two triumphal arches, one at each end. The arches are wider than they are tall and carry the same Latin inscription recording that Lucius Donnius Flavos ordered the bridge built in his will.
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