Ponts Couverts de Strasbourg

The Ponts Couverts are distinguished by four imposing, medieval stone towers that stand over three bridges crossing the channels of the River Ill. Although they carry a name meaning covered bridges, their protective wooden roofs were removed in seventeen eighty-four, leaving only the open stone spans seen today. Built between twelve thirty and twelve fifty, the structure formed a key part of the city’s defensive system, designed to guard the river approach and control local traffic.