Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Old Bridge of Terrasson, located in Terrasson-Lavilledieu in Dordogne, is a medieval stonework with 5 arches (6 originally) allowing the crossing of the Vézère. It has been a historic monument since 1904. Its construction is attributed to the abbey of Terrasson before 1178, when the abbey, in debt, sold part of its property. Its style recalls the bridges of Limoges, like the Saint-Martial bridge, destroyed in 1183.

The bridge was mentioned as early as 1182 when troops from the Viscount of Limoges invaded the Limousin. It probably replaces a ford and was built under the authority of the Viscounts of Turenne, Suzerans of Terrasson since the marriage of Gerberge de Terrasson with Boson I in 1065. The Comtors de Terrasson, local lords from the tenth century, would have dominated the area before disappearing to the crusades. An island and a water mill existed nearby, facilitating its construction.

In 1333, a legacy of 5 floors for its repair was mentioned, but some authors associate it with the construction of the current bridge. During the Hundred Years' War, two arches were destroyed and rebuilt in the 15th century. The bridge played a strategic role in religious conflicts: in 1569, Protestant troops in Condé and Navarre borrowed it after their defeat at Moncontour. In 1585, the Duke of Mayenne and the Catholic League crossed it.

In the 17th century, the bridge suffered damage during the revolts of the Prince of Condé. In 1653 the royal troops broke an arch to weaken the rebel forces. Restored after 1657, it required new work in 1722, partially financed in 1725 and 1748. The flood of 1783 damaged its forewings. In the 19th century, the construction of a new bridge in 1833 removed it from the traffic of the National Highway 89.

The bridge is then returned to the commune, responsible for its maintenance. Its ranking in 1904 recognized its heritage value, linked to its seniority and historical role in conflict and local life. Sources, such as abbey cartulars and Cassini maps, confirm its strategic and architectural importance since the Middle Ages.

External links