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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Noblat Bridge is a medieval stone structure built in the 13th century, crossing Vienna at Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat. His first written mention dates back to 1262 and was then linked to the Castrum of Noblat, a fortified site controlled by the bishop of Limoges from the 11th century. This bridge played a strategic role on a road leading to the Périgord and Toulosain, passing through Uzerche.

The current work consists of two abutments, three piles and four arches, one in broken arch and three in the middle of a pit (two rebuilt in the 20th century). The batteries have characteristic forks, one of which is in the shape of almonds adorned with a column, perhaps surmounted by a cross originally. The apron includes refuges, including on the backs. The bridge underwent several repairs, including in 1270, and partial destruction during the Second World War (1944), followed by reconstructions in 1947.

Ranked a historic monument in 2007, Noblat Bridge illustrates medieval limousine civil architecture. Its arches, originally in broken arches for three of them, were partially modified (two arches were reborn in the middle of the 20th century). The parapet dates from the 19th century. The book remains a testimony to the exchanges and the episcopal fortification in the region.

The bridge is located on an ancient track attested from 1224. Its partial destruction in 1944 by resistors and subsequent reconstruction mark its recent history. Today, it belongs to the commune of Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat and constitutes a major heritage element of the Haute-Vienne.

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