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Origin and history

The Bajasse Bridge, located in Vieille-Brioude (Haute-Loire), is a medieval bridge built in the 15th century to span the Senouire. Its architecture, with a single slender arch, recalls that of the so-called Roman bridges, although there is no document proving the existence of a Roman bridge prior to this site. This bridge, completed around 1479, had structural similarities with the old Old Brioude bridge on the Allier, including a large opening arch, a rare feature for the time.

In the 18th century, the bridge of the Bajassa became a strategic structure after the ban of the old bridge of Vieille-Brioude in 1754, diverting some of the traffic to it. However, its fragility was highlighted by two successive collapses: the first shortly after its construction (1750-1753), then a second in 1783, followed by further damage during floods in 1790. These events prevented its lasting reconstruction, despite unsuccessful attempts.

The Bajassa Bridge is associated with a local legend of the type "Pont du Diable", a popular narrative often linked to bold medieval works. Its inscription as a Historic Monument in 2002 underlines its heritage importance, especially for its stone arch, typical of medieval construction techniques. Today, it bears witness to the technical challenges and natural hazards faced by engineers from the 15th and 18th centuries in Auvergne.

Unlike the Old Brioude bridge on the Allier, which was rebuilt in the 19th century, the Bajassa bridge retains traces of its original structure, although its history is marked by repeated destruction. The archives mention its role in local traffic, particularly as an alternative to the forbidden ferry or old bridge, illustrating its usefulness despite its vulnerability.

The materials used, such as cutting stone for angles and batteries, reflect the local resources and know-how of the time. The volcanic breach and sandstone, cited for the Old Brioude Bridge, may also have been used here, although the sources do not explicitly specify this for the Bajassa. Its sober and functional architecture makes it a representative example of the medieval bridges of the region.

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