Ponts Couverts, Strasbourg, Medieval bridge complex in Petite France, Strasbourg, France
Three stone bridges cross the Ill River, accompanied by four square defensive towers that form a continuous fortification structure in central Strasbourg.
Built between 1230 and 1250, the bridges originally featured wooden walkways with tile roofs, which were replaced by stone constructions in the 19th century.
The towers contain over 500 prisoner graffiti carved between 1530 and 1595, providing insights into medieval criminal history and social conditions.
The bridges connect the Grande Île district to other parts of Strasbourg, offering multiple paths for pedestrians to explore the historical center.
Despite losing their original wooden covered sections in 1784, these bridges retain their historical name and now showcase architectural evolution over eight centuries.
Location: Strasbourg
Inception: 1250
Official opening: 1250
Made from material: stone
GPS coordinates: 48.57990,7.73953
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:41
Strasbourg offers numerous photographic opportunities beyond its main attractions. The city presents a collection of historic timber-framed houses, medieval bridges, hidden courtyards and notable architectural monuments from various periods. From the hieroglyph-adorned Maison Égyptienne to the neoclassical University Palace, from ancient defensive structures to Art Nouveau villas, these sites reveal authentic aspects of Strasbourg's heritage. In the tanners' quarter, the Maison des Tanneurs documents the medieval craft tradition, while the Cour du Corbeau, with its multi-story wooden galleries, represents one of the city's oldest preserved inns. Rue du Jeu-des-Enfants leads through a quiet collection of historic residences, and Place de la République demonstrates the late 19th-century Prussian urban planning. The Barrage Vauban, a 17th-century defensive installation, provides wide views over the Ill River and the Ponts Couverts from its rooftop terrace. Away from the tourist crowds, additional photogenic locations include the vaulted cellars of the Cave des Hospices Civils, where wine has been stored for centuries, the Art Nouveau architecture along Allée de la Robertsau, and the neoclassical facade of the Lycée des Pontonniers. Place Saint-Étienne and Place Saint-Thomas show everyday city life in historic settings. These locations enable photographs that go beyond typical postcard views and provide a nuanced perspective on Strasbourg's architectural diversity.
Petite France
140 m
Barrage Vauban
120 m
Vauban Dam
117 m
Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
257 m
Maison des tanneurs
237 m
Anciennes glacières
209 m
Commanderie Saint-Jean
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Pont du Faisan
207 m
Maison au 40, rue du Bain-aux-Plantes et 1, rue des Moulins à Strasbourg
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Chapelle Sainte-Barbe
374 m
Passerelle des Anciennes-Glacières
263 m
Quai Turckheim
235 m
Quai de la Petite-France
139 m
Pont de la Spitzmuhle
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Pont de la Dinsenmuhle
186 m
Maison au 25, rue du Bain-aux-Plantes à Strasbourg
246 m
Maison au 27 rue du Bain-aux-Plantes à Strasbourg
248 m
Immeuble au 6, rue des Moulins à Strasbourg
192 m
Maison au 1, quai des Moulins à Strasbourg
207 m
Maison au 31, rue du Bain-aux-Plantes à Strasbourg
255 m
Maison au 4, quai de la Bruche à Strasbourg
125 m
Maison au 33, rue du Bain-aux-Plantes à Strasbourg
255 m
Maison au 29, rue du Bain-aux-Plantes à Strasbourg
251 m
Maison des Ponts Couverts
42 m
Hans von Altheimturm
18 m
Heinrichsturm
55 m
Französische Turm
59 m
Henkersturm
181 mReviews
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