Peering up at the Schneidturm, can’t you almost hear echoes of centuries past? The Schneidturm stands tall near the Kranenkai, close to the Congress Centrum. It is a remnant of Würzburg’s old fortifications.
Let’s delve into the Schneidturm’s history. It was built in the early 14th century. It formed a cornerstone of the northern suburb’s wall. These walls were constructed between 1333 and 1506. The Pleicher district’s walls were even earlier. They went up between 1320 and 1350.
The Schneidturm held a special place in the city’s defenses. Its height and square layout made it unique. The Schneidturm is made of limestone. It measures 7 by 7 meters at the base. It reaches 30 meters to the tip of its roof.
The Schneidturm had a dark side. It served as a dungeon for serious criminals. This earned it the nickname “Faulturm” or Foul Tower. Legend says prisoners were dropped through a trapdoor. They supposedly fell into the arms of an “Iron Maiden”. This fearsome device was armed with knives and daggers. Supposedly, they met a gruesome end.
Interestingly, the name “Faulturm” disappeared in the mid-15th century. Instead, records mention a “Häusleinsturm”. A man named Hewßlein appears in records from 1477. He was likely a watchman posted in the tower.
By the 17th century, the Schneidturm had fallen into disrepair. In 1682, there were concerns about the “Plächer Thurn”. It was feared the tower might collapse and pose a danger to the city. City records from 1685-86 mention masonry work and slate roofing on the “Schneidturm”. This is the first known use of its current name. Its origin remains a mystery.
Later, the Schneidturm became a prison for women. It took over this role after the inner bridge gate was torn down in 1722. That gate had previously served as a women’s prison.
To the north, the Würtzburg-Palais stands adjacent to the Schneidturm. It was built around 1719 or 1720. Johann Veit von Würtzburg, a member of the cathedral chapter, commissioned it.
Today, the Schneidturm is a silent witness to Würzburg’s past. Turmgasse, a nearby street, is named after the Schneidturm. The Schneidturm stands as a reminder of Würzburg’s medieval fortifications. Its story is woven into the city’s rich history.