PONT ST ESPRIT

PONT ST ESPRIT, a town of France, in the department of Gard, on the right bank of the Rhone, 32 miles N.E. of Nismes. It derives its present name (for it was formerly called St Saturnin) from the great bridge which crosses the broad and rapid river, and which is the longest stone bridge in the world, being 2717 feet, or three times as long as London Bridge. It crosses the river obliquely,

and has 23 arches, varying in size, the largest being 108 feet wide. It was finished in 1309, after 45 years of labour; and the cost was partly defrayed by offerings made at a small chapel of the Holy Ghost at one of its ends. The town is ill built, with narrow irregular streets; it is defended by ramparts, and by a citadel built by Louis XIII. against the Protestants. There is here a good harbour, and some trade in wine, oil, fruits, provisions, &c. Pop. 5538.