Wallgrabenbrücke, Wooden bridge at Fortress Dresden, Germany
The Wallgrabenbrücke is a wooden bridge spanning a fortress moat at Dresden's fortress and connecting two sections of the defensive complex. It measures 32 meters long and 5.5 meters wide, providing a key passage across the moat.
Construction began in 1718 under Minister August von Wackerbarth as a narrow wooden structure designed for rapid dismantling during military threats. It was rebuilt multiple times after the 1945 bombing of Dresden and continues to serve today.
The bridge served as a discrete exit route for royal carriages heading to the countryside, showing the mobility needs of Dresden's court. It reflected the connection between the fortress and the rural areas beyond.
The bridge is accessible to pedestrians and provides an important passage through the fortress grounds with a level surface. Since it is located within a historic complex, visitors should be prepared for potentially uneven conditions and wear appropriate footwear.
Unlike architect Matthäus Pöppelmann's original stone design, this wooden structure was deliberately built to be taken apart quickly during wartime. This allowed the fortress to rapidly block access across the moat and defend against attackers.
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