The bridges of Strasbourg

July 14th, the twenty-sixth day of the European trip, not going far, just walking around the city, along the river. The historical center of Strasbourg is located on the Grande Ile, a large island surrounded by two branches of the Ill River, known as 'Petite France,' which is also called 'Little Venice.' The German-style timber-framed houses and the intersecting small canals complement each other, creating a fairy-tale-like beauty. Many various bridges connect the area, reflecting its historical soul. Among them, the most captivating is the medieval Ponts Couverts with its four ancient towers. As one of the iconic buildings in the Strasbourg city center, this historic bridge is praised for its elegance and unique design. From the bridge, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful Strasbourg city center. Nearby is the 17th-century Vauban Dam (part of the Vauban fortifications). Other beautiful bridges include the 19th-century ornate Fonderie Bridge (stone bridge) and Auvergne Bridge (iron bridge), as well as the futuristic pedestrian bridge (Passerelle, opened in 2004) over the Rhine River.