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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Vauban Dam, also called "Grande Écluse de Fortification" or "bridge-casemate", is a military building built between 1681 and 1688 in Strasbourg under the direction of engineer Tarade, according to the plans of Vauban. Its objective was to strengthen the city's defences, which were considered vulnerable to the progress of modern artillery. Located on Ill, it replaced the old medieval covered bridges, unable to withstand new war techniques. This water door system allowed, by closing its thirteen valves, to flood the land south of Strasbourg to obstruct the enemy's advance.

In 1870, during the siege of Strasbourg, the dam was activated, causing flooding of the districts upstream. After that date, the German authorities raised him up on one floor and covered him with land to strengthen him. In 1966, the city built a panoramic roof terrace, offering views of the covered bridges and the cathedral. Ranked a historic monument in 1971, it underwent major restoration between 2010 and 2012, including the creation of access for people with reduced mobility and the repair of the facades.

The dam combines several functions: lock bridge, pedestrian crossing (named "Vauban Passage" or "George Frankhauser Passage") and cultural space. Its arches equipped with harrows controlled river traffic, while its three drawbridges allowed traffic between the banks. Today, it houses temporary exhibitions, such as the International Glass Biennale, and statue casts of the cathedral. Its strategic location, between Place Jean-Arp and Place du Quartier-Blanc, makes it a central place of Strasbourg heritage.

Designed to withstand bombardment, the dam was modified in 1865: its wooden panel façade was masonized, and its roof filled with earth to absorb the impacts of pellets. An archaeological study carried out in 2011 by the Pole of Interdepartmental Archaeology Rhenan allowed to deepen the knowledge of its structure and history. The protected elements include not only the lock itself, but also the adjacent fortified walls and the walls of the valve system, which are evidence of 17th century hydraulic techniques.

The Vauban Dam illustrates the ingenuity of the fortifications of Vauban, adapted to the geographical and military constraints of the period. Its unique flood mechanism transformed the fields and orchards in southern Strasbourg into impassable swamps for the assailants. Today, it symbolizes both the French military genius and the urban evolution of Strasbourg, between defensive heritage and heritage valorization.

Future

In 1966, the city of Strasbourg built a panoramic terrace on the roof of the building.

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