The Gate Tower

Code: 26

The former eastern city gate with its Gate Tower is the only one of three former city gate towers that still exists. It’s one of the oldest buildings of the city. The Upper Gate Tower was built in the 13th century. Until 1841, the tower was used to place guards high up above the city to watch out for both enemies and for fires.
In 1693 the Tower as well as the whole city was badly damaged by a fire. This is why the coat of arms on the other side of the tower stems from the 18th century. Within the archway on the right hand side there is a small recess. Presumably this was where the scale to weigh bread and where the collection box for road tolls was located in the old days.
After you have walked up the 95 steps you can enjoy a good view over the town and the region.