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Origin and history

The Ansignan Water Bridge, located in the Pyrénées-Orientales, is a hybrid structure built on the bases of a Roman bridge dating perhaps from the third century (between 220 and 270). Originally, it was probably an aqueduct or a bridge-siphon designed to irrigate the land of a Roman villa, according to Juliette Freyche's assumptions. The Volques Tectosages, the Romanized Gaulish people, may have participated in its initial construction, although this attribution remains uncertain. The associated Roman route is, however, well attested, supplemented by a second bridge downstream to cross the Désix, tributary of the Agly.

During the Middle Ages, the structure was transformed in the 9th century into an aqueduct superimposed on the existing bridge, creating a tunnel vaulted passage for pedestrians. Major changes took place in the 13th and 14th centuries, extending the structure to its current 170 metres, with 29 arches of varying sizes. The two largest span the Agly, while lateral openings illuminate the lower passage. However, no archaeological evidence confirms the exact use or motivation of these successive transformations.

Aqueduct, always functional, captures the waters of the Serre de Verges mountain via a channel supported by arcades, then transports them to the cultures of the opposite bank. In 1906, Louis Abram installed a hydroelectric turbine in an adjacent mill, destroyed during the restorations of the 1970s. Ranked a Historic Monument in 1974, the water bridge received funding in 2023 via the Heritage Lotto for waterproofing and consolidation work.

Local legends attribute its construction to monks, Templars, or even crusaders of Hugues Capet bringing back Babylonian plans. Some fanciful theories see it as a Gallic solar calendar or a link to Babylon's hanging gardens. Louis Companyo stressed his key role in the fertility of the surrounding lands, contrasting with regional aridity, thanks to the irrigation allowed by the structure.

Architecturally, the water bridge is distinguished by its dual function (pedestrian passage and water supply) and its triangular spurs protecting the batteries in the bed of the Agly. The inner passage, vaulted in a cradle, is illuminated by lateral bays. Despite its irregular appearance, the result of centuries of change, it remains a rare testimony of the Roman and medieval hydraulic techniques adapted to local needs.

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