by Paris is home to many bridges, Pont de la Tournelle being one of the beautiful bridges to walk through. It holds a statue of Sainte Geneviève, patron saint of Paris, designed by the sculptor Landowski. It links the Isle Saint Louis in the 4th area to the 5th area (Arabic Institute).
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About the Pont de la Tournelle, Paris
Pont de la Tournelle is a bridge that spans the river Seine in Paris, France. It connects the Left Bank of the river to Île aux Cygnes, an island in the river. The stone bridge is decorated with statues of saints: Saint Augustine, Saint Genevieve, Saint-Denis, and Saint Martin.
The “Pont de fust de l’isle Notre-Dame et Saint-Bernard” was a wooden bridge that was built in 1370 on the current site of the Pont de la Tournelle.
It was built in 1928. It is the second oldest bridge in Paris, after the Pont Neuf. The bridge is named after a chapel that used to be on the Île aux Cygnes. The chapel was dedicated to Saint Tournelle, the patron saint of travelers.
If you’re a tourist visiting Paris, this bridge is one of the best places to catch your last glimpse of the city before heading back home. The view from this bridge over the Seine River is stunning, and it offers some fantastic photo opportunities for travelers looking for that perfect memory or postcard moment.
Whether you come here to watch the sunset or admire the cityscape, the Pont de la Tournelle should be on your list of places to visit while in Paris.
See Related: Pont Mirabou
History
Structures have been built on top of one another in the area now occupied by the Pont de la Tournelle. The earliest one, made of a wooden bridge, was constructed in the year 1620.
The construction of this fascinating bridge started in 1924 using reinforced concrete and dressed with quarry stone, with one large central arch with two smaller arches.
The bridge is the only one in Paris with four statues of saints. They are made of bronze and were sculpted by Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux.
It is one of the most popular places to watch the sunset over the city of Paris. The view from the current bridge is stunning, and it is a popular spot for tourists and locals.
The bridge is also a scenic sight that became part of shows. In 1992 and 1998, several scenes from the television series Highlander were shot along the Quai de la Tournelle in the vicinity of and underneath the Pont de la Tournelle.
Where is the Pont de la Tournelle in Paris Located?
The Pont de la Tournelle is located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. It spans the River Seine from the Left Bank to Ile Saint Louis island.
How to Get to the Pont de la Tournelle
The bridge is easily accessible by public transportation. The closest metro station is Saint-Michel, which is on Line 4. The nearest RER station is Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame, on Line B, and Pont Marie on Line 7.
You can also take the bus to the Pont de la Tournelle. The closest bus stop is Saint-Michel/Notre Dame, served by the 21, 38, 47, 85, and 96 buses.
If you are walking, the bridge is located along the Quai Saint-Michel on the Left Bank of the River Seine. It is a short walk from Notre Dame Cathedral and the Latin Quarter.
See Related: Pont de l’Alma
Statue of Sainte-Geneviève by Landowski
The statue of Sainte Geneviève is an important monument in the city of Paris. It was built in 1928 and is a symbol of the city. The figure is five-quarter-meter tall and is made from monoliths that are 14m high.
The statue is a woman holding an infant’s arm, protecting a child. The site faces east to symbolize protection from incoming threats. It is also tall enough to be seen from distant distances.
FAQ
How long is the Pont de la Tournelle?
The Pont de la Tournelle is 1,500 feet long.
What is the height of the Pont de la Tournelle?
The Pont de la Tournelle is 400 feet high.
When was the Pont de la Tournelle built?
The Pont de la Tournelle was built in 1928.
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