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 (BST, +0100)

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.