Photo credit © Crown copyright (2020), Welsh Government

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Dare you cross it? And can you do it without looking down? You can walk across Pontcysyllte, or save your legs and take a leisurely boat ride. But there's one thing you have to take with you. A camera. The views are something else.

Wales

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Situated in north-eastern Wales, the 18 kilometre long Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal is a feat of civil engineering of the Industrial Revolution.

Covering a difficult geographical setting, the building of the canal required substantial and bold civil engineering solutions. 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.

Therefore, 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.

Official website

Did you know..?

The aqueduct is 126 feet 8 inches (39m) which is as tall as 9 double decker busses piled on top of each other.

The aqueduct holds 1.5million litres of water the equivalent of 18,750 bathtubs full of water. 

The Aqueduct is pronounced Pont – ker – sulth – tay

It took 10 years to build at a cost of £38,499 approximately (£39 million today).

It was the tallest navigable aqueduct in the world for over 200 years

Stats

Location: Wrexham, Wales

Country: United Kingdom

Year of Inscription: 2009

UNESCO Criteria: (i), (ii), (iv)

Contact information:

For more information about Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, visit the website or contact visitor information on +441978292015

© Crown copyright (2020), Welsh Government