Vieux pont d'Albi, Medieval bridge in Albi, France.
The Vieux pont d'Albi is a stone arch bridge that spans the Tarn River with a length of about 151 meters and multiple arches beneath. It continues to serve as a crossing for both foot traffic and vehicles between the two sides of the city.
Construction of this bridge started in 1040, initially funded through ferry revenue, and it became a major crossing point during the Middle Ages. Its growth in importance reflected the economic development of the region during medieval times.
The bridge was once a living space where craftspeople such as tanners and shoemakers built their homes and workshops alongside the pathways. This mixing of residence and trade made it a vibrant community hub rather than just a passage.
The bridge is accessible to both pedestrians and vehicles, and the crossing provides clear sightlines toward the surrounding neighborhoods and the river below. Visitors should note it remains an active passage through the city and offers good views of the area.
Two drawbridges once stood at each end, and a fortified tower called Notre Dame guarded the center. These defensive features reveal how much effort went into controlling and protecting this river crossing.
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