The railway line taking the trains north form the central station in the city had to be laid out so as not to interfere with the extensive fortifications put in place by Vauban in the 17th century.
At the time of the construction of the railway lines the fortifications were still in place and it appeared to be necessary to build numerous viaducts for both the railways and the fortifications to co-exist.
In the background there is the newer Kirchberg area, with EU offices, the Philharmonie building, banks, and commercial premises