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Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal

Wrexham, Wales
26.10.2016

The Pontcysyllte-Aquädukt und Kanal, located in Wrexham, Wales, is an impressive feat of engineering that has captured the attention of visitors from around the world. This stunning structure, designed by Thomas Telford and completed in 1805, is a testament to the ingenuity and skill of its creators.

The aqueduct, which stretches over 300 meters and stands at a height of 38 meters, is a remarkable example of a navigable canal crossing. It was built to transport goods and materials across the River Dee and played a crucial role in the industrial revolution in Wales. Today, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered an iconic symbol of Welsh engineering.

Visitors to the Pontcysyllte-Aquädukt und Kanal can take a leisurely boat ride along the canal, giving them a unique perspective of the impressive structure. Along the way, they can also enjoy the picturesque views of the surrounding countryside.

For those who prefer to stay on land, there are also walking and cycling paths that run alongside the canal, providing a scenic and peaceful way to explore the area. The canal is surrounded by beautiful greenery and wildlife, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.

In addition to its engineering significance, the Pontcysyllte-Aquädukt und Kanal also holds historical significance. It was an important transportation link during the Industrial Revolution, and played a crucial role in the growth of the local economy. Today, it stands as a reminder of the past and the progress that has been made in the field of engineering.

Overall, the Pontcysyllte-Aquädukt und Kanal is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, engineering, or simply looking for a unique and beautiful experience in Wales. Its grandeur and significance make it a true gem of the country, and a highlight of any trip to Wrexham.


Situated in north-eastern Wales, the 18 kilometre long Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal is a feat of civil engineering of the Industrial Revolution, completed in the early years of the 19th century. Covering a difficult geographical setting, the building of the canal required substantial, bold civil engineering solutions, especially as it was built without using locks. The aqueduct is a pioneering masterpiece of engineering and monumental metal architecture, conceived by the celebrated civil engineer Thomas Telford. The use of both cast and wrought iron in the aqueduct enabled the construction of arches that were light and d strong, producing an overall effect that is both monumental and elegant. The property is inscribed as a masterpiece of creative genius, and as a remarkable synthesis of expertise already acquired in Europe. It is also recognized as an innovative ensemble that inspired many projects all over the world.

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct (Welsh pronunciation: [ˌpɔntkəˈsəɬtɛ]; Welsh: Traphont Ddŵr Pontcysyllte) is a navigable aqueduct that carries the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee in the Vale of Llangollen in northeast Wales.

The 18-arched stone and cast iron structure is for use by narrowboats and was completed in 1805 having taken ten years to design and build. It is 12 feet (3.7 metres) wide and is the longest aqueduct in Great Britain as well as the highest canal aqueduct in the world. A towpath runs alongside the watercourse on one side.The aqueduct was to have been a key part of the central section of the proposed Ellesmere Canal, an industrial waterway that would have created a commercial link between the River Severn at Shrewsbury and the Port of Liverpool on the River Mersey. Although a less expensive construction course was surveyed further to the east, the westerly high-ground route across the Vale of Llangollen was preferred because it would have taken the canal through the mineral-rich coalfields of North East Wales. Only parts of the canal route were completed because the expected revenues required to complete the entire project were never generated. Most major work ceased after the completion of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in 1805.

The structure is a Grade I listed building and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

wikipedia.org