Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Baou bridge, often mistakenly called the Roman bridge of Céreste, crosses the Encrême on the town of Céreste, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. This erroneous designation could come from a confusion with another neighbouring bridge, located on Via Domitia, where Roman remains were actually discovered. The current bridge did not actually have any connection with antiquity.

The construction of the building was decided in 1739 to facilitate the passage of a busy road, often cut off by the flood of the torrent. A local delegation, after consulting provincial engineer Georges Vallon, validated a estimate of 1,150 pounds. The work, entrusted to the mason Pierre Terras de Reillanne, began in January 1740 and ended the same year. The bridge, 19 metres long and 10.26 metres long, was classified as a historic monument in 1862.

Contrary to its name, the bridge illustrates the civil architecture of the eighteenth century in Provence, marked by practical needs (access to markets, village connections) rather than an ancient heritage. Its early ranking reflects its heritage importance, despite its recent origin. The sources also mention nearby Roman remains, but distinct from this structure.

Today, the bridge remains the property of the municipality of Céreste. Its exact location, near Dr Borty Avenue, is documented by the Merimée and Monumentum bases, which specify its state of conservation and public access.

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