Timeline

Heritage classified

Origin and history

The Rompu Bridge of Solignac, located two kilometers from the commune, marks the place where the Roman road linking Limoges to Périgueux crossed the Briance. Built between the 13th and 15th centuries, it is distinguished by its four arches: two in broken arch on the right bank and two in full arch on the left bank. This asymmetry could result from a renovation after a breakdown, which would have inspired his current name. The structure has triangular foreshores on the upstream side, two of which house pedestrian shelters, while three rectangular foothills reinforce the structure on the downstream side.

The deck of the bridge, slightly domed in the back of the donkey, and the presence of a hollowed out in the masonry of the central refuge – probably intended to support a cross – testify to its medieval use. Ranked a Historic Monument in 1990, it belonged to the VC7 communal road and is now owned by the municipality of Solignac. Its exact location remains approximate, with cartographic accuracy considered poor (level 5/10).

The history of the bridge reflects medieval construction techniques, combining reuse of Roman traces and subsequent adaptations. Defensive elements such as fore-beeks and refuges suggest mixed use, both commercial and pedestrian, in a context where bridges were strategic points for the control of communication axes. However, there are no sources that mention sponsors or artisans who worked on its construction.

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