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Heritage classified

Origin and history

The Saint-Élisabeth Bridge of Saint-Junien, formerly known as the "bridge of the sick", owes its nickname to its proximity to a medieval leprosy. This 12th century monument has retained its original appearance, characterized by a cubited structure of 7.50 m high for 4.60 m wide. It consists of two slightly broken arches, separated by a central pile with a spur and a refuge, as well as a smaller third arch in its turn. Filed by order of 25 January 1990, it belongs today to the commune of Saint-Junien.

The work illustrates medieval civil architecture, designed to cross the Glane while integrating defensive or utility elements, such as the refuge on the pile. Its remarkable state of preservation makes it possible to observe Romanesque construction techniques, including the use of broken arches and reinforced batteries. Although its exact location is estimated to be "passable" (note 5/10), it remains a tangible testimony of the Limousin heritage, linked to the health and social history of the region.

The bridge is part of a medieval urban context where infrastructure was used both for exchanges and for the isolation of marginalized populations, such as lepers. Its position near leprosy reflects the spatial organization of the cities in the Middle Ages, where the sick or sick were often relegated to the periphery. Today, it is a historic landmark of Saint-Junien, accessible from rue du Pont-Saint-Elisabeth and Place Jean-Baptiste-Brachet, although its current use (visit, rental) is not specified in the sources.

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