Pont du Diable, Medieval stone bridge in Olargues, France
Pont du Diable is a stone arch bridge spanning the Jaur River with a notably large central opening. The structure features solid stone piers supporting multiple smaller arches beside the main vault.
Construction began in the 12th century following Roman building principles. The structure was adapted over time to withstand changes in the river's behavior and water flow patterns.
The name 'Pont du Diable' comes from a legend about the devil helping to build it, a story that locals still share with visitors. This folklore reflects how medieval communities explained the engineering feat of such a large arch.
The bridge is accessible year-round and visitors can walk across it freely. The best views come from below along the riverbank, where you can see the full arch structure clearly.
The bridge contains marble quarried locally, which strengthened the stone structure significantly. This choice of materials reveals how medieval builders selected resources based on what they could find nearby.
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