Pont génois de Pianella / Genoan bridge at Pianella (Ota, Corsica)
N 42° 15.378 E 008° 45.672
32T E 480302 N 4678261
Beautiful, stone single-arch bridge from the era of the Genoan occupation of Corsica, you can find close to the Ota village and entrance to the famous Spelonca Gorge at West Corsica coast...
Waymark Code: WM74B9
Location: Corse, France
Date Posted: 08/31/2009
Views: 23
Genoan stone bridge at Pianella belongs among the typical examples of Genoan stonemasonry of XVth century and also it is one of the best preserved medieval stone bridges in Corsica.
The Genoan bridges in Corsica are stone single-arch constructions characterized by humpbacked shape and narrow road (the "humpbacked" shape is formed by two steep slopes on either side of the ridge which is their line of junction, this technique was especially used for the construction of stone bridges).
Although abandoned for centuries, Genoan bridges always have shown a surprising strength. Their height and their position in the river stream were calculated for heavy flood conditions.
During the occupation of Corsica by Pisa and Genoa, especially between XIIIth and XVIIIth century, many stone bridges was constructed. The number of these bridges reflects the economic reorganization of the island during the Pisan and Genoese rule. These structures become essential for the transport of major products of the island - wheat, wine, olive olil and especially chestnuts (which were the basis of the food and the island's economy).