Barrage Vauban

About this place

The Barrage Vauban, or Vauban Dam, is a bridge, weir and defensive work erected in the 17th century on the River Ill in Strasbourg, France. At that time, it was known as the Great Lock, although it does not function as a navigation lock in the modern sense of the word. Today it serves to display sculptures and has a viewing terrace on its roof, with views of the earlier Ponts Couverts bridges and Petite France quarter. It has been classified as a Monument historique since 1971. The barrage was constructed from 1686 to 1690 in pink Vosges sandstone by the French engineer Jacques Tarade according to plans by Vauban. View the structure from the side as well as along its length. This makes its engineering easier to understand and helps connect the monument with the practical movement of water, people or goods that shaped the surrounding settlement.