Moyen-Pont and Pont des Morts
To cross the Moselle in Metz is to walk over centuries of history. The Pont des Morts and the Moyen-Pont, which extends it toward the city centre, bear a name that intrigues visitors. It speaks not of tragedy but of a singular medieval custom tied to the Saint-Nicolas hospital. Along the water, the Moyen-Pont still bears the marks of the defences that once sealed off access to the city by river.
The origin of a singular name
The name goes back to a charter of Bishop Conrad of Scharfenberg in 1222: on the death of each inhabitant of Metz, their finest garment was owed to the Saint-Nicolas hospital. The institution resold it and used the proceeds to maintain and rebuild the city's bridges in stone. From this custom, with its macabre flavour, came the name "Pont des Morts". Far from being a funereal place, the bridge thus owes its name to a system of financing charity and public works that was ingenious for its time.
The Grand Pont des Morts
First built in wood around the middle of the 13th century, the Grand Pont des Morts was ceded to the Saint-Nicolas hospital in 1282, then rebuilt in stone during the first half of the 14th century. With its seventeen arches, it spans the widest branch of the Moselle and links the city to the islands of Chambière and Fort-Moselle. It is one of the oldest stone bridges in Metz, a witness to a city of merchants and builders that learned very early to tame the many branches of its river to secure its prosperity.
The Moyen-Pont, a fortified structure
Extending the Grand Pont toward the heart of the city, the Moyen-Pont was built between the late 13th and early 14th centuries. It was a fortified bridge that commanded the entry into Metz by the Moselle. Walking along the river, you can still make out the opening through which grilles were lowered to block the way to hostile boats. A castle, traditionally traced back to the city's origins and restored in the 15th century, once guarded the crossing before being demolished in the 18th century. The bridge was later restored and widened.
A stroll with a view of the city
Today these bridges offer one of the finest walks in Metz. From the parapet, the Moselle divides into peaceful branches lined with old mills and houses mirrored in the water. The evening light is especially soft here, when the blonde, golden Jaumont stone takes on honeyed tones. It is a viewpoint prized by photographers, just a few minutes' walk from the historic centre and the Temple Neuf. An ideal riverside pause between two visits, to grasp the spirit of a city born of its river.
Infos pratiques
Adresse : rue du Pont des Morts, 57000 Metz
Questions fréquentes
Why the name "Pont des Morts" (Bridge of the Dead)?
Because its upkeep was funded by the Saint-Nicolas hospital, which received the finest garment of each deceased person in Metz and resold it for the benefit of the city's bridges. The name comes from this medieval custom, not from any tragic event.
Where are the Moyen-Pont and the Pont des Morts?
They span the Moselle along rue du Pont des Morts in Metz (57000), west of the historic centre, linking the old town to the islands and the left-bank districts. They are easily reached on foot.
What remains of the Moyen-Pont's fortifications?
Walking along the Moselle, you can still see the opening through which grilles were lowered to block access to the city by river. The castle that guarded the crossing, however, disappeared in the 18th century.
Is it free to visit?
Yes. These are public bridges, freely accessible at any hour. The walk along the Moselle and the view over the old town cost nothing.
Wikimedia Commons — Chabe01
