“Through this gorge, Slavic Prince Jaczo was chased.” These words echo from the past. They are inscribed on a plaque at the Jaczoturm. The tower stands hidden near the Jaczoschlucht. Many Berliners do not know of its existence. Even locals in Spandau are often unaware.
The Jaczoturm commemorates the Schildhornsage. This is an important legend for Berlin and Brandenburg. It tells a tale from the Middle Ages. The area was once home to Slavic tribes. In 983, the Wends revolted against Christianization. They resisted subjugation to the Holy Roman Emperor. This halted Germanic expansion for 200 years.
Later, Albrecht the Bear entered the scene. In 1150, the Hevellian Prince Pribislaw died without a son. Albrecht, a cunning diplomat, became heir to the land. But Pribislaw’s nephew, Jaczo of Köpenick, disagreed. He occupied the castle in Brandenburg.
A long siege followed. On June 11, 1157, Albrecht the Bear took the castle. Jaczo fled on horseback. Albrecht and two riders pursued him to the Havel River. Jaczo tried to cross the river, but his horse struggled. He prayed to the Christian god. It seemed a hand lifted his shield above the water. His horse regained strength. Jaczo reached the Schildhorn shore safely. He swore loyalty to Christianity. He hung his shield on an oak tree. Thus, the Schildhornsage was born.
The Jaczoturm was built between 1890 and 1910. An anonymous citizen of Spandau financed it. The four-meter-high tower displays Jaczo fleeing Albrecht the Bear. The Latin inscription marks the event of 1157.
Originally, the Jaczoturm had 14 battlements. It also featured a 1.10-meter-high cast iron gate. By 2004, only two battlements remained. The gate had disappeared years earlier. Vandalism often targeted the tower. The Förderverein historisches Gatow restored 13 battlements. They protect the tower. The group plans to restore the nearby waterfall.
The Jaczoturm is unimposing. But the plaque and bear seal are interesting. The path to the Havel is scenic. It offers a beautiful view. If you visit Spandau, explore the Jaczoturm. Enjoy the view across the Havel. Remember the story of Jaczo’s flight and conversion. The Jaczoturm reminds us of a pivotal moment in Berlin’s history. It stands as a testament to faith and resilience.