Li Pontia - Huy

Li Pontia, the bridge that no longer exists but was replaced by a new bridge, was one of the 4 wonders of the city of Huy.

At the beginning of its history , in the Roman period, the city of Huy, built on both banks of the Meuse, offered only a boat crossing or a ford, since a bridge existed between Ombret and Amay to receive the Roman road that led from Tongeren to Arlon.

The bridge of Hutois, not mentioned until 1066 in the Charter of Liberties, consisted of a wooden deck on stone pillars and was located 100 meters upstream from the current site. The original Pontia was destroyed in 1119 by the soldiers of Count Godfrey of Namur. A new Pontia from the 13th century, the foundation stone of which was laid on June 30, 1294, was completed in 1303.

In July 1693, the commander of the Place de Huy blew up several arches in the Pontia to prevent the French troops from passing. After their departure he had the bridge rebuilt in wood. On August 15, 1703, the bridge was cut again, this time by the French, who occupied the city and wanted to stop the allied army. On the following November 1, the bridge was rebuilt with wood again due to a lack of money. Between June 1713 and the end of 1714 it underwent a number of repairs, but the central wooden arch was retained. Between 1789 and 1794 the bridge was damaged several times by the harsh winters, but also by the Austrians and the French.

In 1808 the wooden arch was finally replaced by a central arch in stone. During the First World War , Belgian troops blew up the middle arch. The bridge was repaired in 1920 - 1921, but was blown up again in 1945 - 1945.

A brand new bridge was built to replace the Pontia: it was inaugurated by King Baudouin on June 9, 1956 and will bear his name.

Willem Vandenameele