Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Terrade Bridge, located at Aubusson in Creuse, was originally built of wood with a stone pile. It was the only crossing point of the Creuse and allowed the passage of the main road towards Limoges, crossing the Terrade district. This bridge was vital for regional exchanges, linking Aubusson to other important cities such as Limoges.

Between 1638 and 1641, the present stone bridge was built with materials from the demolition of the feudal castle Le Chapter, ordered in 1632 by Cardinal Richelieu. This castle once belonged to the first Viscounts of Aubusson. The re-used stones were also used partly for the construction of the Vallenet house, still located in the city. The bridge was designed with two arches in broken arches and a central pile reinforced by triangular breakers.

Originally covered, the bridge had two turrets on the faubourg side, only one of which remains today. He lost his role as the main crossing for Limoges at the end of the 18th century, when the road was diverted to the bridge of the Recollets. This allowed the Terrade bridge to be preserved without major modifications. A notable house, the Chirac House, is in the immediate vicinity, on the left bank.

The bridge has been listed as a historical monument since June 15, 1926. It illustrates the evolution of construction techniques and the strategic importance of river crossings in the urban and commercial organization of medieval and modern cities. Its structure, with triangular fore-beeks and rear-beeks, reflects the hydraulic and defensive concerns of the time.

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