Gallo-Roman aqueduct, Villenave d’Ornon preserves its historical and architectural heritage

The city of Villenave d’Ornon is proud to announce the acquisition of a Gallo-Roman aqueduct built in the first century AD. This vestige of the past today represents proof of the great historical wealth of the region. Indeed, if at the time, this aqueduct was used to water spring the city of Bordeaux,called Burdigala,today it is the concrete testimony of history. Thus, to continue to bring this forgotten heritage to life, the city of Villenave d’Ornon takes its role to heart. In particular, it will restore the place to make it a place of history and culture open to all. The opportunity to offer a new dynamic to the remains of the Gallo-Roman aqueduct but also to radiate the heritage riches of the region both for the inhabitants and for the tourists who come en masse every year to discover the surroundings.

A region rich in history, Burdigala under the Gallo-Roman Empire

When we talk about Bordeaux,we think first of all of the many wine estates and Haussmannian architecture that can be observed in the city. However, if we take a closer look at the history of the city and the region, we can find many other riches. Indeed, the city of Bordeaux has a rich historical past. In particular, one can find vestiges of the Gallo-Roman period in the city center. The Palais Gallien is the best known example. It is an ancient amphitheater, built at the beginning of the second century, in the Gallo-Roman city of Burdigala. At the time, Burdigala was the capital of the province of Aquitaine. It was then an important trade corridor that would extend from England to Egypt.

We then understand the importance of the economic and port activity of the city. Indeed, many ships, Greek, Breton, Iberian or Celtic cross in the latter. All kinds of raw materials pass through and we quickly see the production of wine take hold. Traffic is growing very quickly and is pushing the city of Burdigala to expand little by little. Thus, buildings such as temples, thermal baths and houses are born to offer a place of life adapted to the citizenss. On the other hand, this development and this growing dynamic involves the construction of a Gallo-Roman aqueduct to water the city with spring water.

The Gallo-Roman aqueduct at Sarcignan is one of these constructions. Many years later, some works resist the inconveniences of time. These riches must be preserved to keep track and a testimony of history. Thus, the city of Villenave d’Ornon embarks on this mission of heritage preservation. In parallel, by offering a new life to the aqueduct, the city seizes a new place to develop its dynamics. Indeed for the city it will also be a new cultural place open to the public.

Aqueduct gallo Roman stone remains
The municipality will proceed with the renovation of the aqueduct in order to welcome the public as soon as possible

Preserve the historical heritage and give a new dynamic to the city thanks to the Gallo-Roman aqueduct

Thus, the site of the Gallo-Roman aqueduct of 570 m2 has become the property of the city since 2019. The peculiarity is that the aqueduct is only visible at this place while it crosses the communes of Bègles and Talence. Thus, it is the last vestige still visible on the territory. By acquiring this structure, the city of Villenave d’Ornon becomes the guarantor of the good conservation and restoration of the site.

Therefore, it will restore the Gallo-Roman aqueduct to make it a cultural and historical site that should welcome the public in the coming years. On the other hand, for the restoration of the aqueduct, there is no question of taking things lightly. It is a fragile place that must be treated with respect in the rules of the art. The restoration is therefore organized under the authority of Xavier Charpentier. The latter is an archaeologist at the Regional Archaeology Service of Nouvelle Aquitaine. In order to finance the work, the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs will take charge of the project.

Thus the construction site of the Gallo-Roman aqueduct is divided into several stages. The first is the preparation and cleaning of the premises. The municipality and the Historical Research Association of Ornon are also working on the project. In particular, they did pruning and cleaning work above ground by scraping the foams on the stones for example. By following, the Villenavaise association ensures the management of the site. Photogrammetry work is already underway. A plan should be made by means of measurements obtained with images from different angles of view.

Finally, on April 26, work began on the crystallization of the Gallo-Roman aqueduct. This is mainly protective work. They are made by the association Adichats always under the direction of Alexandre Carratier. For the moment, the site is not accessible to the public in order to avoid weakening it. It therefore remains, for the moment, out of sight, like a jewel that is preparing to shine with a thousand lights.

Sources:

“Acquisition of a Gallo-Roman aqueduct in Sarcignan” Villenave d’Ornon, press release of 23 April 2021

Gallo-romans (-56 / 4th century)” Bordeaux, History of Bordeaux, Chronology

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