Vauban Dam, Strasbourg, France

Despite being built in the 1600s this fortified bridge and weir on the River Ill was a cornerstone of the city’s defences as late as the Franco-Prussian War in 1870.

It was made with pink sandstone from the Vosges, according to plans drawn up by Vauban (the great French military engineer). The idea was that in times of siege it would raise the level of the Ill and flood the lands to the south, and also drop barriers to prevent invaders from passing through.

There’s an internal corridor running the length of the structure and you can go up to the roof to see the towers of the Ponts Couverts and the cathedral.

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Opening Hours

Monday:
08:00 - 19:00
Tuesday:
08:00 - 19:00
Wednesday:
08:00 - 19:00
Thursday:
08:00 - 19:00
Friday:
08:00 - 19:00
Saturday:
08:00 - 19:00
Sunday:
08:00 - 19:00
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