One of the iconic sites of Avignon, the Saint Bénézet Bridge is a testament to the history of Avignon. There is also an interesting legend associated with it. As the story goes, in the year 1177, the shepherd Bénézet was instructed by angels to build a bridge over the Rhône River.
The town's founders and citizens mocked the idea. However, Bénézet was endowed with the strength to raise a giant lump of rock, which the townspeople then recognized as being a sign from God, further evidenced by the fact that the bridge was built in only eight years.
The Saint Bénézet Bridge is a graceful construction of 900 meters and 22 arches. It was an important route for transportation across the Rhône River until the 17th century. The bridge is now in partial ruins and no longer crosses the river.
However, the UNESCO-listed site is open to the public as a tourist attraction. The ticket price includes an audio-guide and entrance to the "Le Pont Retrouvé" Museum, which features three-dimensional exhibits, films about research work, and multimedia presentations that offer an interactive experience.
