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Martinsturm: Bregenz's Medieval Landmark

Explore the Martinsturm in Bregenz: a historic tower with stunning views, a fascinating museum, and a beautiful chapel.

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The Martinsturm, a former granary dating back to the 13th century, stands as a prominent landmark in Bregenz, Austria. Crowned with a distinctive baroque onion dome, it offers panoramic views of the city and Lake Constance and houses a museum showcasing the history of Bregenz.

A brief summary to Martinsturm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs.
  • Check the opening hours before visiting, as they may vary seasonally.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through Bregenz's charming Old Town.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Bregenz city center, walk towards the Oberstadt (Upper Town). Follow the signs for Martinsturm. The tower is located in Martinsgasse 3b, within the old city walls. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes from the city center.

  • Public Transport

    From Bregenz train station (Bahnhof), take bus number 1 or 5 towards Oberstadt. Get off at the 'Oberstadt' stop. Walk approximately 200 meters down the street to Martinsgasse 3b. A single bus ticket costs around €3.

  • Car

    Drive towards Bregenz city center and use GPS navigation to Martinsgasse 3b, 6900 Bregenz. Parking is available nearby, with costs typically around €1-2 per hour. Consider parking at 'Bregenz am Hafen' for easy access to the old town and a short walk to the tower. Daily maximum parking rate is around €16-18.

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Discover more about Martinsturm

The Martinsturm, or St. Martin's Tower, is a towering testament to Bregenz's rich history, located in the heart of the city's upper town. Originally constructed in the 13th century as a fortified residence for nobles during the construction of the city wall, it later served as a granary. In the 14th century, a chapel dedicated to St. Martin was established on the upper floor, lending its name to the tower. The tower's most significant transformation occurred between 1599 and 1601 when architect Benedetto Prato added three stories and the iconic onion dome, the largest of its kind in Central Europe. This baroque addition solidified the Martinsturm as a symbol of prestige and a fire watchtower. Today, visitors can explore the tower's museum, which showcases the history of Bregenz from the Bronze Age to the 21st century. Ascending to the top floor rewards visitors with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Bregenz, Lake Constance, and the surrounding mountains. The adjacent St. Martin's Chapel features medieval frescoes dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries, depicting scenes from the life of Christ and various saints.

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