Pont du Gard

Pont du Gard Overview Pont du Gard is an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge. It stands 48.8m (160ft) high with three tiers of arches made from Shelly limestone. The aqueduct carried an estimated 40,000m³ (8,800,000impgal; 11,000,000USgal) of water daily over 50km (31mi) to Nemausus (Nîmes). Lack of maintenance after the 4th century led to clogging by mineral deposits and debris, stopping the flow of water. The aqueduct’s stone blocks were precisely cut to fit together without mortar. Pont du Gard Construction Pont du Gard is 49m (161ft) high and 274m (899ft) long. Width varies from 9m (30ft) at the bottom to 3m (9.8ft) at the top. Built on three levels with a water conduit at the top. Stone extracted from a local quarry of Estel. Builders left inscriptions on stonework for guidance. Pont du Gard History and Preservation After the Roman Empire collapsed, Pont du Gard remained largely intact with a secondary function as a toll bridge. Renovations between the 18th and 21st centuries culminated in the opening of a new visitor center in 2000. Pont du Gard is now one of France’s most popular tourist attractions. Recognized for human creative genius and cultural significance. Napoleon III’s patronage in the 1850s was crucial for its restoration. Pont du Gard Water Supply and Maintenance The aqueduct supplied Nîmes with water from Fontaine d’Eure near Uzès. Traces of a tiled roof, Corinthian columns, and a fresco decorated with fish and dolphins were discovered at the castellum divisorum. Deposits of calcareous sinter reduced the flow of the aqueduct over time. The aqueduct faced challenges from dissolved calcium carbonate leached out of the limestone. The water arrived in the castellum divisorum at Nîmes after nearly 27 hours of travel. Pont du Gard Recognition and Tourism Added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list in 1985. Popular tourist attraction for centuries. Associated with French monarchs seeking ties to Roman imperial power. The aqueduct is a symbol of Roman engineering excellence. Pont du Gard has inspired various artistic and literary works.