Barrage Vauban, Alsace Travel Guide

The Barrage Vauban, also known as the Vauban Dam, is a historic bridge, weir, and defensive structure erected in the 17th century on the River Ill in Strasbourg, France. Constructed between 1686 and 1690, this impressive edifice was designed by Jacques Tarade based on the plans of Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, a prominent French military engineer. Originally named the Great Lock, it played a crucial role in the city's fortifications.The dam's primary function was defensive: in the event of an attack, it could be used to raise the water level of the River Ill, flooding the surrounding lands south of the city and rendering them impassable to enemies. This strategic measure was famously deployed in 1870 during the Franco-Prussian War when Strasbourg was besieged by Prussian forces, resulting in the flooding of the northern part of the Neudorf suburb.The structure itself is a marvel of 17th-century military architecture, constructed from pink Vosges sandstone. It features 13 arches and stretches 120 meters in length. Inside, a corridor connects the two banks of the river, and a lapidarium displays ancient plaster casts and copies of statues and gargoyles from Strasbourg Cathedral and the Palais Rohan. Three of the arches are raised to allow navigation, with drawbridges spanning the corridor.Today, the Barrage Vauban is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a unique blend of history, architecture, and scenic views. The rooftop terrace, rebuilt in 1965-66, provides panoramic vistas of the Ponts Couverts (covered bridges), the Petite France quarter, and the Strasbourg Cathedral. Admission to the barrage and terrace is free, allowing everyone to appreciate this historical monument.