A very special gem from the history of early modern fortifications awaits you in the Neuf-Brisach tower. Neuf-Brisach is a charming little town in Alsace where German and French life mingle. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the well-fortified walls of the Vauban fortress clearly show how fierce the struggle was between the Habsburg emperors and the French crown on the Upper Rhine.
Neuf-Brisach, owes his existence to the irony of history. After the 30 Years War, the French, under Vauban, also expanded (Alt-)Breisach into the strongest fortress on the Upper Rhine. But after losing a war at the end of the 17th century, King Louis XIV had to return Breisach to the Habsburgs. This hurt him especially because there was now a gap in his line of fortifications on the Rhine. In addition, in just a few years Vauban built a new fortress for his king on the banks of the Rhine opposite Breisach: Neubreisach – Neuf-Brisach. It was his last work and reflects the great skill of the long career of the genius Vauban, who died a few years after its completion. During a city tour of Neuf-Brisach, you will learn interesting facts about the construction of the fortress and the life of the soldiers. But the later history of Neuf-Brisach also plays an important role, where the fortress moved back and forth between Germany and France many times. And the civil life of the city also offers many stories to learn during a city tour of Neuf-Brisach.
Place de Porte de Bâle (Google Map)
Discover the last masterpiece of Vauban, one of the best builders of fortifications in European history:
