SaintBénézet

Saint Bénézet is a legendary figure credited with the inspiration for the construction of the Pont d'Avignon, a famous medieval bridge in Avignon, France. According to tradition, Bénézet was a young shepherd boy who, in 1177, claimed to have received a divine revelation instructing him to build a bridge across the Rhône River. Initially, his pronouncement was met with skepticism, but he is said to have demonstrated his divine mandate by miraculously moving a massive stone.

Following this event, a charitable brotherhood was formed to support the bridge's construction. Bénézet himself actively participated in the work, carrying stones and inspiring the laborers. The bridge, officially known as the Pont Saint-Bénézet, was a significant engineering feat for its time, spanning the Rhône and facilitating trade and pilgrimage.

While the historical accuracy of Bénézet's miraculous origins is debated by scholars, his legend has endured for centuries. He is venerated as the patron saint of bridge builders and is invoked for protection during river crossings. The partially standing remains of the Pont Saint-Bénézet are a popular tourist attraction in Avignon, serving as a tangible link to the enduring legend of the young shepherd boy who envisioned and inspired its creation. His story is often recounted in local folklore and has been the subject of various artistic and literary works.