Pont d'Asfeld


Even though the Durance River gorge protected Briancon from infantry attack from this direction, Briancon was still vulnerable to bombardment from the heights across the gorge.  Fort des Tetes was built in the 1720s and 30s, and it was connected by a bridge, Pont de Asfeld, over the river.  Designed by Vauban, it was built by his successor, the Marquis d'Asfeld, and named after him.

Forty meters in length and protected by a redan, the bridge was finished 1734.  It was an impressive achievement for the time.















Copyright 2011 by John Hamill



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