Pont du Gard

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The Pont du Gard is a giant Roman aqueduct bridge in southern France, built in the first century AD to carry water across the Gardon river. The water travelled about 50 kilometres to the Roman town of Nemausus, today's Nîmes. The bridge has three tiers of arches, is 48.8 metres high, and is made of stone blocks held together without mortar.

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At a glance

Country: France
Location: Vers-Pont-du-Gard, France
Built: 50
Height: 48.8 m
Type: Bridge

Quick answers

Where is Pont du Gard?

Pont du Gard is in Vers-Pont-du-Gard, France.

When was Pont du Gard built?

Pont du Gard was built in 50.

How tall is Pont du Gard?

Pont du Gard is about 48.8 m tall.

A three-tier Roman aqueduct bridge over the Gardon, built of stone blocks without mortar.

It is one of the best-preserved Roman aqueduct bridges and the highest one the Romans built. It joined UNESCO's World Heritage list in 1985 for its excellent condition, historical importance and clever engineering.

A gentle slope for water

Nîmes lay on a plain where local springs were too low to flow into the town, so engineers brought water from far away. The aqueduct fell only about 1 centimetre for every 182 metres, a very gentle slope that kept the water flowing steadily. It could carry around 40,000 cubic metres a day to the fountains, baths and homes of the town. After the 4th century it was no longer maintained, and mineral deposits and debris eventually blocked the flow.

A bridge that lived on

After the Roman Empire fell, the structure stayed largely intact and was used as a toll bridge, which local lords and bishops looked after in return for fees. Some stones were taken away, and serious damage was done in the 17th century. Repairs between the 18th and 21st centuries led in 2000 to a new visitor centre, and cars and buildings were removed from the bridge area. It is now one of France's most popular tourist attractions.