Pont Fortifié - Kaysersberg

With its crenellated parapet and its small oratory, the fortified bridge of Kaysersberg is a unique military work in Alsace.
The fortified bridge of Kaysersberg connects the old town with the upper town. It spans the Weiss, a 15-mile-long river. The river rises in the Vosges at the Col du Linge at an altitude of 845 meters. At the end of the valley of the Kaysersberg, it flows into the Fecht north of Colmar.
A first wooden construction made it possible to cross the river. Then, in 1514, the current stone bridge was built. To prevent an enemy invasion across the river, it was fortified.

The bridge was fortified with embrasures and parapets with archers and gun ports on both sides. In the center of the bridge, on the upstream side, in what may have been a former watchtower, is an aedicule (small chapel). Here is a polychrome statue of the Virgin and Child from the 18th century. Residents responsible for minor offenses were imprisoned there and for a short time became the laughingstock of the inhabitants of the small town.
On top of the aedicula are the coat of arms of the Holy Roman Empire (a two-headed eagle) and the coat of arms of the city (a stock exchange, the symbol of the merchants).
Still on the upstream side there is a small alcove with a statue of St. John Nepomuk. This martyred priest (1340-1393) is the patron saint of all people who have come into contact with water (boatmen, fishermen) but also of bridges.
From the wall next to Rue du Général de Gaulle 84 you have a beautiful view of the bridge, the Badhus, the house of blacksmith Michel Herzer and the castle tower.

Willem Vandenameele