Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The old Graulhet bridge, crossing the Dadou, is an architectural testimony of the 13th and 18th centuries. Originally, it had three uneven arches (3.23 m, 20.90 m and 8.30 m), the highest in the centre, typical of medieval bridges on the back of a donkey. The primitive structure, attested from 1244 by an act mentioning Isarn de Graulhet and Gautier, was rebuilt in the late 13th century and then in the 16th century. Its batteries, with triangular avant-becs, and its brick parapet reflect these successive transformations.

In the 18th century, a major change took place: the suppression of the central arch to adapt the bridge to the new slope of the city coast, linking the monument to the Grande Rue. In 1768, a Bahut wall was added above the primitive parapet, increasing the roadway. The spurs of the batteries, initially acute, were also redesigned. Despite these changes, the profile on the back of the donkey remains, as do the bricks of the parapet, characteristic elements of its medieval heritage.

Ranked Historic Monument by decree of 28 July 1937, the bridge now belongs to the municipality of Graulhet. Its history illustrates the evolution of construction techniques and urban needs, from its initial role as a river crossing mentioned in the 13th century archives to its adaptations to modern developments. The Creative Commons license of the current photos and its approximate location (1 Rue Saint-Jean) make it an accessible heritage, although its cartographic accuracy is considered fair (note 5/10).

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