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Origin and history

The Saint-Martial Bridge, located in Limoges, is a bridge arched in masonry erected in 1215 on the bases of a Gallo-Roman bridge. It was originally built by the Romans to cross Vienna and facilitate exchanges on the road connecting Bourges (Avaricum) to the south of Gaul. This bridge was located in the extension of the maximus cardo, the north-south main axis of the ancient city, near the old forum (present town hall).

In 1182, Henry II Plantagenet, king of England and Duke of Aquitaine, ordered the destruction of the Gallo-Roman bridge to punish Limoges for his rebellion. Reconstruction only took place in 1215, reusing the ancient foundations. The monument was classified as historical monuments on 20 July 1908.

With its seven arches in arc, the Saint-Martial Bridge historically linked the city centre to the district of Sainte-Félicité on the right bank. Today, it is isolated in the urban landscape, dominated by modern infrastructure such as the bridge of the Revolution. Some medieval residences remain nearby, including one that welcomed Molière in 1669.

Its Gallo-Roman foundations, composed of blocks assembled by crampons, bear witness to ancient construction techniques. The bridge presents similarities with the Saint-Étienne de Limoges bridge, notably through the presence of shelters integrated into its structure.

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