Neustädtischer Mühlentorturm

Have you ever noticed a tower that looked a little bit like a giant, stone wedding cake? You know, one with a pointy roof and lots of fancy details? Well, look ahead and you’ll find just that. It’s a brick building in the style of the Pomeranian Late Gothic period, and it’s called the Neustädtischer Mühlentorturm. This tower wasn’t always as fancy, though. It used to be just a regular old gate in the medieval city wall. You might find it surprising, but back in the 17th century, this tower was part of a whole gate complex. This tower, with its gate, helped protect the city when Brandenburg was just a young town. It stood tall and strong, ready to keep out any enemies who might try to invade. It was a vital part of the city defense system, and it controlled the road, the Spandauer Heerstraße, leading out of the Neustadt Brandenburg. This road used to be lined with water mills, as the river Havel flowed through the area. It was so common they even named the tower for them. And did you know that Brandenburg has two rivers, Havel and a smaller stream called the Nuthe, that are important for water transportation and recreational boating? But let’s get back to our tower. In the 19th century, the gate part of the complex was broken down. What we see today is a tower that rises almost 30 meters high, 28.85 meters to be exact, and that’s quite a sight indeed. It’s not just tall, either. In the past, the tower had a square base but it was changed to a circular one. It was a common practice in Brandenburg to update or even redesign structures rather than tearing them down entirely. Imagine the amount of work it took to create such a magnificent structure! This tower shows how skilled medieval craftsmen were, how much they valued their work, and the importance of building something lasting. Take a closer look at the eight sides of the tower. The top is decorated with a frieze and crowned with an iron eagle, which is a symbol of Brandenburg. Today, this tower is still a popular attraction. It’s a visible reminder of the city’s rich history, and it’s definitely a must-see on your visit to Brandenburg an der Havel.