Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The so-called "Roman bridge of Ganagobia" (or of Lurs) was built at the beginning of the second century (between 121-145 AD) to allow the Domitian way to cross the torrent of Buès, thus avoiding the swamps formed by its confluence with Durance. Its construction coincides with the campaigns to improve the Roman roads in Gaul under the emperors Hadrian and Antonin le Pieux, as evidenced by the miles discovered in Provence. The bridge, with a single arch in the middle, uses a mixed apparatus (large limestone apparatus for foundations, small apparatus for facades) and originally had a light donkey back.

Ignored for centuries, however, the bridge was used as a passage through the Royal Road (future RN96) until the 19th century, before being replaced by a embankment. Rediscovered in 1963 by historian Guy Barruol, it was classified as a historical monument in the same year. Its structure, similar to other Roman bridges of Via Julia Augusta, reveals subsequent restorations (establish, parapets, upper part of the facades). A phallus engraved on an abutment suggests an apotropaic or carrier-related symbolism.

The bridge now measures 30 meters long for 6 wide, with an arch of 7.8 meters opening. Its radius of 3.90 meters and its height of 7 meters above the river illustrate Roman engineering. The abutments, protected by upstream and downstream walls, show an adaptation to the steep terrain. Although partially modified, there remains an exceptional testimony of the ancient road infrastructure in Provence, used today as a secondary route to Lurs.

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