Pont Neuf Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
The Pont Neuf, is the oldest standing bridge in Paris, France, across the river Seine. Ironically, its name means "new bridge" in French (the name, coined in the early 17th century, stuck).
Standing by the western edge of the Île de la Cité (an island in the middle of the river), it connects the Left Bank of Paris (to the south) with the Right Bank.
The total length of the bridge is 278 m, its width 28 m. It is actually composed of two separate spans, one of 5 arches joining the south (left) bank to the Île de la Cité, another of 7 joining the island to the north (right) bank.
The decision to build the bridge was taken by King Henri IV, who would lay its first stone and inaugurate it. Its construction started in 1578 and was completed in 1604 (or 1607, depending on sources). The Pont Neuf is constructed as a series of many short arch bridges, as most bridges of that time were built. Contrary to the habits of the time, the bridge was the first stone bridge in Paris not to support houses in addition to a thoroughfare. It was from the beginning fitted with pavements protecting pedestrians from mud and horses, and had heavy traffic from the beginning; it was for a long time the widest bridge in Paris. The structure of the bridge was never alterated since, even though the bridge has obviously undergone repair work. The wooden posts supporting the foundations are still the original ones.
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