Ponts Couverts

When I first visited Petite France two days ago, I noticed that there were a few towers towards the water. However, I didn’t pay them any mind that day because I was in a hurry to get rid of my heavy backpack by leaving it at the apartment. I didn’t get a chance to go back there until I got back from Colmar. This time however, the weather wasn’t as good as that day. At least it wasn’t raining. So what is so significant about those towers that I saw? Apparently, they used to be part of the defensive system of Strasbourg. The name is Ponts Couverts or covered bridge.

Looking at these towers, there is little to indicate that these are the the covered bridge that the name was referring to. Apparently, the towers were indeed part of the old covered bridge. These days the covered part of the bridge is gone. What is left is the bridge and the towers. The towers are there obviously for observation and defense. There used to be more of these towers which surround Ile de Strasbourg but it seems these are the only ones remaining. There isn’t any way to climb these towers now. However, they to make an interesting view of Strasbourg when viewed from opposite the towers.

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