Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site

Official name
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal | UNESCO
Country
United Kingdom | Map
Continent
Europe
Location
Wrexham County Borough, County of Denbighshire, Borough of Oswestry, County of Shropshire
52.9702° Lat, -3.8770° Lon | Map
Code
1303
Time Zone
Europe/London (GMT, +0000)
Current Time
Category
Cultural
Description
Inscribed 2009. 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.