Ever wonder about the silent sentinels guarding Würzburg’s past? This is Zwingerturm 40. It stands as a testament to the city’s layered defenses. Today, we’ll delve into the story of this remarkable tower.
The name “Zwinger” refers to the area between the inner and outer ring walls. It was a crucial element in fortifying the city. Zwingerturm 40 was part of this defense system. This system included walls, battlements, and towers. It formed a preliminary defense line complete with palisades and fences.
The Zwinger itself connects Münzstraße with Neubaustraße. Peterpfarrgasse branches off right at the beginning of Zwinger street. The street retains its original cobblestone pavement.
Würzburg’s city wall dates back to the early Middle Ages. It underwent several expansions and complete redesigns from the 17th century onward. Some parts of both systems are still visible in the cityscape. Heidingsfeld, once an independent town, also had a late medieval wall. Most of it remains intact today.
The first wall around the right-Main side of the city is documented in 1057. Some believe a wall-and-ditch system began around 900 when Hungarians invaded. The walled enclosure is attributed to the early 11th century. Würzburg is among the first cities east of the Rhine to be fortified with walls. Bishop Heinrich I is believed to have initiated the construction. The bishops had slowly taken over the city’s rule during the 10th century.
Around 1200, the southern suburb of “Sand” was incorporated into the city. Many residents had already settled there. It was also important to better protect the significant St. Stephan Benedictine monastery. The wall, with its moat, connected to the Bischofsmütze at Josef-Stangl-Platz. It ran along Zwinger, Rotlöwengasse, and Tiepolostraße to the Main riverbank. Large sections of the wall are still visible in several places.
The defensive structure was reinforced by the Hexenturm. It was formerly known as the Hensleinsturm. It stood in the southeastern bend and by the Hirtenturm. The Hirtenturm was formerly known as Roren. It stood on the Main riverbank. The Sander Gate provided access to the south. It was topped by a tall square tower. Another gate stood directly connecting to the Bischofsmütze. This was the Stephanstor. It was located near today’s intersection at Josef-Stangl-Platz. It also had a multi-story tower.
The southern part of the Bischofsmütze along Neubaustraße was now within the city. It was then referred to as the old wall.
The Zwingeranlage around the Old Town was significantly reinforced in the early 15th century. A second lower wall was built in front of the existing one. It was reinforced with numerous low towers. These towers were partly semi-circular. They monitored the ditch and the outer side of the wall. A passage about 6-7 meters wide ran between the walls. Both walls created a double line of fire. The inner wall was about 2.5 meters higher. Parts of the remaining Zwinger wall can be seen behind the Sanderuni and along Tiepolostraße.
Zwingerturm 40 stands as a reminder of Würzburg’s resilience. It reminds us of the strategic thinking that went into defending this city. As you stand before this tower, imagine the soldiers who once stood guard. Think of the city they protected. The Zwingerturm 40 is a window into Würzburg’s past.