Imagine the year is 1428. The Eschenheimer Turm stands tall. It is a critical part of Frankfurt’s defenses.
The Eschenheimer Turm is more than just a tower. It is a landmark that has witnessed centuries of Frankfurt’s history. Today, we will delve into its past. We will uncover the stories hidden within its stones.
In the early 14th century, Frankfurt expanded. The old town needed more space. Emperor Louis IV allowed the city to triple in size. To protect this new area, the Neustadt, construction of a new city wall began. The Eschenheimer Turm became a vital part of this defense.
The first tower on this site was built in 1349. It was simply described as “round”. This location was strategically important. It stood at the end of Große Eschenheimer Straße. This street was an extension of Kornmarkt. The Kornmarkt was the city’s second most important north-south axis.
Klaus Mengoz began building a replacement tower in 1400. Madern Gerthener, architect of the Frankfurt Cathedral, completed the Eschenheimer Turm between 1426 and 1428.
In the early 19th century, the city walls were replaced. The Prussian government wanted to demolish the Eschenheimer Turm. Count d’Hédouville, the French ambassador, intervened. He saved the tower from destruction. Besides the Eschenheimer Turm, only two other towers were spared. These were the Rententurm and Kuhhirtenturm.
The Eschenheimer Turm is 47 meters high. It has eight levels and two attics. The tower has a square base. A round tower sits atop this base. The spire is adorned with four small turrets. Adolfsturm in Friedberg may have served as a model.
Originally, Große Eschenheimer Straße passed through the tower’s gothic arches. A portcullis could close the passage. The tower guard lived on the second level. They remained there until 1956. The tower displays coats of arms. On the city side, there is a silver eagle on a red field. This is the coat of arms of Frankfurt. On the opposite side, there is a black double-headed eagle on a golden field. This represents the Holy Roman Empire.
Legend says that Hans Winkelsee, a poacher, was held in the tower. He shot nine holes into the weather vane with nine pistol shots. Impressed, the city council pardoned him. The holes are still visible today.
Today, the Eschenheimer Turm sits in a busy plaza. A subway station runs beneath it. The ground floor houses a bar and restaurant. The fireplace room is used for events. You can even visit the tower battlements.
The Eschenheimer Turm is more than a historical artifact. It is a living part of Frankfurt. It is a place where you can grab a coffee. You can imagine knights holding court. You can touch stones that have stood for centuries. The Eschenheimer Turm connects us to Frankfurt’s rich past.