The Pont Neuf Size report

The Pont Neuf means "New Bridge," but interestingly, it is the oldest bridge in Paris that spans the River Seine. After the former bridge was in disrepair, King Henry III ordered it to be rebuilt in 1578. A major traffic thoroughfare connects Paris City Hall with the residents on the other side of the Seine; it carried the history of Paris for hundreds of years and witnessed the changes and development of the city together with the River Seine.

It is called Pont Neuf because it was the first bridge in Paris. King Henry IV officially inaugurated it in 1607. On the west side of the Island of the City, the Pont Neuf connects the left and right banks of the city. It is hard to believe that Pont Neuf has stood in the city since the early 17th century.

For its long history and beautiful architecture, the Pont Neuf has been listed Historical Monument since 1889, a special status in France that guarantees its protection. Since 1991, the bridge is also listed as UNESCO World Heritage, together with the Seine River banks. You will find out more facts about its size and structure.

Size and Structure of The Pont Neuf

Construction of the Pont Neuf began in 1578 and took 30 years. It contained a pedestrian walkway and a carriageway, a very modern design in the past. Over the centuries, the bridge has always been bustling, with traders and performers making a living here. When it opened to the public, a statue of King Henry IV was erected there, which was knocked down during the French Revolution and removed in 1818. Some 381 sculptures by Germain Pilon still decorate each stone bracket of the bridge.

Although the bridge has been renovated many times, this ancient stone bridge and the 381 human face sculptures on the bridge have resisted the invasion of time. You can see that each human face is different when you take the cruise ship to visit the bridge.

Dimensions of the Pont Neuf

When completed, the Pont Nouveau was the only bridge to span the full width of the Seine, with a length of 232 meters (761 feet). The 22-meter-wide bridge has a pedestrian walkway that protects pedestrians from carriages and dirt. Seven stone arches link the right bank to Cite Island, and the other five link the rest of the bridge from the left bank to Seine Island.

Conclusion

The Pont Neuf is an exquisite old building that has its own charm both in the sun during the day and when the lights light it after night falls. The attraction and specialty of the Pont Neuf are that it was the first bridge in Paris with sidewalks and no houses built on it, so the bridge soon became a popular meeting place after it was built. People love to socialize and hang out there today; there is no doubt that the bridge is one of the most popular attractions in the city. You can reach Pont Neuf Station by taking Metro Line 7.