Did you know that some Stuttgart treasures remain hidden even from locals? The Alte Stuttgarter Stadtmauer is one such secret. It is a remnant of Stuttgart’s past. Let’s journey back in time. We will uncover the story of this ancient city wall.
The Alte Stuttgarter Stadtmauer whispers tales of a time long past. Stuttgart’s origins trace back to 950 AD. During that time, it was a horse-breeding region. It served Luis Dolf of Swabia. He was the son of King Otto I. The region’s valley topography made it ideal for raising horses. These horses strengthened the army.
Fast forward to the 12th and 13th centuries. Stuttgart became a bustling hub. In 1229, Pope Gregory confirmed that Stutten Garten belonged to Bebenhausen’s monks. By 1246, a significant battle shaped the region’s destiny. The Wurttembergers allied with the Staufer. They fought against Henrich Raspe. This conflict determined control over the kingdom.
Around 1350, Stuttgart was divided. It was split into commercial and spiritual zones near Stiftskirche. The counts of Württemberg expanded the castle. They built gardens that pleased Antonia Visconti de Millan. She was accustomed to luxurious cities.
Markgraf Hermann V of Baden fortified Stuttgart. The initial walls ran along Königstraße, Eberhardstraße, and Karlstraße. Three city gates provided entry. One stood on Marktstraße near Breuninger. Another was at the end of Breite Straße. Kanzleibogen marks a passage from Schillerplatz to Königstraße.
Duke Christoph expanded the city in 1560. He created longer perimeter walls. These walls included over thirty towers. The Alte Stuttgarter Stadtmauer divided free citizens from serfs. This social structure lasted until 1817.
To find this hidden gem today, head to the Gerber district. Look for the Gerber department store. Slip between Sophienstraße 23B and 25. In the courtyard, you will discover a small green space. A 25-meter-long and five-meter-high section of the wall stands there.
The Alte Stuttgarter Stadtmauer includes loopholes. This remnant belonged to the second city expansion. It once surrounded the Reiche Vorstadt. Though much of the wall disappeared, parts remain in Marienpassage and Krumme Strasse. Also the Schellenturm can still be visited.
The towers of Stuttgart’s fortifications once numbered ten. These included the Turm an der Münze, Schellenturm, and Nachrichterturm. Also the Folterturm, Pulverturm, Willermannsturm, Hühnerturm, Franzenturm, Jerusalemturm and Kastkellereiturm.
The Folterturm was torn down in 1870. The Turm an der Münze followed in 1846.
Today, the Alte Stuttgarter Stadtmauer stands as a silent witness. It serves as a reminder of Stuttgart’s evolving story. It is a story of expansion, conflict, and transformation. As you stand before this ancient stone, imagine the city’s past. Envision the bustling streets and the lives of those who once walked here.