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Pont du Corbeau: A Bridge Through Strasbourg's Dark Past

Discover the Pont du Corbeau in Strasbourg: a picturesque bridge with a dark history of public executions and stunning city views.

The Pont du Corbeau, or Raven's Bridge, is a historic bridge in Strasbourg that connects the Grande-Île to the Krutenau district. While offering picturesque views today, it was once known as the 'Bridge of Tortures,' a site for public executions.

A brief summary to Pont du Corbeau

  • Strasbourg, 67000, FR

Local tips

  • Take a moment to appreciate the views of the Ill River and the surrounding architecture, including the Strasbourg Cathedral.
  • Consider visiting the nearby Historical Museum to learn more about Strasbourg's past.
  • Explore the charming Krutenau district on the opposite side of the bridge.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Strasbourg Cathedral, walk south along Rue Mercière, then turn left onto Quai Saint-Nicolas. Continue along the Quai, and you'll find the Pont du Corbeau on your right, spanning the Ill River. The walk is approximately 5 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From the Homme de Fer tram stop, take tram line A or D towards Étoile Polygone and get off at the Corbeau stop. The bridge is a short walk from the tram stop. A single ticket costs €2.10 if it is the first purchase, and €1.90 if you already have a CTS card.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Strasbourg. A short taxi ride from the Strasbourg-Ville train station to the Pont du Corbeau will cost approximately €9-12, depending on traffic. Taxi fares start at a base of €3.02, with a rate of €1.00-2.84 per kilometer.

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Discover more about Pont du Corbeau

The Pont du Corbeau, gracefully arching over the Ill River in Strasbourg, possesses a history as layered as the pink sandstone from which it's constructed. Today, flowers adorn its structure, and boats gently glide beneath, offering a charming scene. However, this tranquility belies a darker past. Originally built in the early 14th century, the bridge was initially named Schind Brücke, or the 'Bridge of Tortures'. This moniker was well-earned, as the bridge served as a site for public executions from the Middle Ages onwards. Condemned criminals, including murderers, adulteresses, and those found guilty of infanticide, met their end here. They were often placed in cages or sacks and thrown into the Ill River to drown. Petty offenders, such as dishonest bakers or innkeepers, were also publicly shamed on the bridge. Over the centuries, the bridge underwent several name changes, including Pont des Bouchers (Butchers' Bridge) in the 18th century and Pont Rousseau in 1794, before finally being named Pont du Corbeau (Raven's Bridge) in 1816. For a time, it even served as part of the 'Route Nationale n°4', connecting Paris to Vienna. The last execution took place near the bridge in 1937. Today, the Pont du Corbeau offers stunning views of the Strasbourg Cathedral and the Old Butcher's Square. The square showcases architecture from the Strasbourg Renaissance. The bridge provides access to the heart of the city, allowing visitors to admire landmarks like the Ancienne Douane (Old Customs House) and the Historical Museum.

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