Monday, November 16, 2015

Pont du Gard


Here we are approaching the Pont du Gard.


It was exciting to see it in the distance after seeing so many pictures.




A friendly tourist took our picture, one of the few of both of us.


The Pont du Gard was built in the first century as part of the Nimes aqueduct. It is the highest of all the Roman aqueducts.










This is a view of the River Gardon from the aqueduct.

















In the year 2000 a visitors center was built and traffic was no longer allowed on the bridge itself. Instead there is a newer bridge in front of the original one  that you can walk on.




When we came here in 1991 we were able to walk on the very top of the aqueduct but it is now barred to the public.


This is the beginning of a hiking path that was tempting but we were on a tour.


The aqueduct is made of limestone without any mortar or clamps. It is truly amazing.