Once a critical passage, Kriegstor stands as a stoic reminder of Strasbourg’s complex past. The German authorities constructed these fortifications after the annexation of 1871. They sought to integrate new districts. The construction occurred between 1875 and 1884.
The new enceinte featured a polygonal layout. It included alternating courtines and bastions. These bastions were often doubled with a platform called a “cavalier”. The wall wasn’t always covered in masonry. It often looked like a high embankment. Gunners could take their positions there during attacks. The gates opened to powder magazines, warehouses, and even barracks.
Today, only the Kriegstor remains as a monumental gate. It stands as the sole survivor of its kind. Cyclists can now follow a path along the rue du Rempart. This path allows them to pass by several of these historic structures. They can also go through the imposing Kriegstor.
Beyond the fortifications stretched a vast open field. This field was called a “glacis”. On the western front, it is still visible. Today, it is planted with trees. A green belt separates Strasbourg’s railway station area from its suburbs. These suburbs include Cronenbourg, Koenigshoffen, and the Montagne Verte. The former glacis has been transformed into a promenade. It features cycle paths and family gardens. There are also school facilities.
If you were a local jogging enthusiast, you would be very familiar with it. The urban fortifications were built during the German era between 1876 and 1882. These fortifications remain largely unknown despite recent enhancements. The preserved section lies west of Strasbourg’s railway station. It includes bastions 14, 15, and 16. This enclosure forms a substantial land mass. Barracks and powder magazines once stood here. Its summit forms a parapet. This was an artillery platform. Numerous shelters also existed. A water-filled moat once preceded this rampart. Now, a highway replaces the glacis.
The enceinte is pierced between bastions 14 and 15. Kriegstor which is also known as war gate number two, has been renovated. The Kriegstor II of Cronenbourg resembled the city’s entrance gates. It had a guardhouse. It connected to the nearest bastion via a “mines gallery.” A passage from this gallery led to a postern. This allowed troops to exit in front of the slope. They could then take potential attackers of the gate from the rear.
This gate only became active during a siege. Upon mobilization, families had only six hours. They had to leave through these two war passages. All other civilian gates were closed. Most civilian gates in the city had three vehicle passages. One was reserved for trams.
On the right side, at the top, one can read an inscription carved in sandstone. It reads: “Hpt Münster / Wst Noak”. These were likely the individuals responsible for the design and execution of the works. Captain Oskar Münster, an engineer, likely designed the structure. Hermann Noack probably supervised the work. His role may have been similar to a works engineer. The gate was constructed in 1877.
Since undergoing renovations, the “war gate” has been open to civilians since 2008. Access is limited to pedestrians and cyclists. The gate provides access to the Parc du Glacis. A footbridge in the park leads to Cronenbourg. So, remember the name Kriegstor. It echoes through time. It’s a testament to Strasbourg’s resilience and transformation.