Pont du Gard Historical Facts and Pictures

Located in Southern France, across Gardon River, Pont du Gard aqueduct is an excellent representation of Roman Architecture. This 50 km. long three level construction was created to supply water to the city of Nimes, previously known as Nemausus.

Pont du Gard Map

Pont du Gard Map

Pont du Gard Images

Pont du Gard

Architecture and Design

Constructed with yellow soft limestone blocks, extracted from a nearby quarry on the banks of Gadron River, the aqueduct is largely devoid of mortar or clamps. Standing 49 meters high on top of Gadron River, this wonderful piece of architecture contains 3 tired barrel-vault arcades. The highest part of the formation is topped with a water channel of stone slabs, enveloped in calcium deposits.

Night View at Pont du Gard

Pont du Gard at Night

Interiors of Pont du Gard

Painted with olive oil, the inner structure of Pont du Gard is covered in maltha, a mixture of pork grease, slaked lime and thick juice of unripe figs, producing a smooth surface that water to flow without obstruction. The conduit displays masonry dressed walls and concrete floors, covered with a stucco of tile and shards of pottery.

Pont du Gard Interior

Pont du Gard Photos

Pont du Gard Pictures

Measuring 360 meters at its longest point this 3-storey bridge demonstrates the sophisticated artistry of Roman architecture and engineering. The inscriptions and engravings on the stones define that, the work had been measured and precisely carried out, but does not provide any knowledge, which reveals the identity of the main architect.

Pont du Gard Top

Top View of Pont du Gard