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Kesselbodenturm: Zwettl's Medieval Guardian

Explore the Kesselbodenturm in Zwettl, a medieval tower offering a glimpse into the town's history and well-preserved city walls.

The Kesselbodenturm is a striking circular tower that stands as a landmark in Zwettl, embodying the town's medieval history. Constructed in the 14th century as part of Zwettl's defenses, it offers visitors a tangible connection to the past.

A brief summary to Kesselbodenturm

Local tips

  • Walk the Stadtmauer (city walls) path for excellent views and historical insights; start near the Kesselbodenturm and follow the marked route.
  • Visit during the Aktionstag Stadtmauer (City Wall Day) for free guided tours and special events focusing on Zwettl's fortifications.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of the Privatbrauerei Zwettl to experience the town's brewing tradition.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Zwettl train station, walk northwest along Bahnhofstraße for approximately 500 meters. The Kesselbodenturm will be visible on your left, integrated into the city wall. The walk is mostly flat and takes about 7-10 minutes. Alternatively, from Sparkassenplatz in the town center, walk north along Landstraße, then turn left onto Kesselbodengasse. Continue until you reach Bahnhofstraße; the Kesselbodenturm will be directly ahead. This walk is approximately 400 meters and takes about 5-7 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    The Stadtbus Zwettl (city bus) has several stops along Bahnhofstraße. Check the local bus schedule for the most convenient route and alight at a stop near the Kesselbodenturm. A single fare on the Stadtbus is approximately €2. The bus provides a quick and easy way to reach the tower from various points within Zwettl.

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Discover more about Kesselbodenturm

The Kesselbodenturm, a prominent circular tower, marks the northeastern corner of Zwettl's well-preserved city walls. Located on Bahnhofstraße, this medieval sentinel provides a glimpse into the town's rich history. Originally built in the 14th century, the Kesselbodenturm served as a crucial component of Zwettl's defenses, functioning as both a watchtower and a stronghold against potential invaders. Its robust, three-story structure offered a commanding view of the surrounding landscape, enabling defenders to monitor approaching threats. The tower's circular design, a relative rarity among the town's defensive towers, enhanced its structural integrity and defensive capabilities. Historically, the area surrounding the Kesselbodenturm was part of the town's moat, which was filled in 1896 to create Bahnhofstraße, coinciding with the opening of the Schwarzenau-Zwettl railway line. For many years, the tower was known as the Sattigturm, named after the Belkhofer-Sattig family, who owned the land from 1831 to 1982. In 2008, the city reverted to the tower's older name, Kesselbodenturm, derived from the adjacent Kesselboden field. Today, the Kesselbodenturm stands as a testament to Zwettl's enduring heritage. Although its original shingle-covered conical roof has long since collapsed, the tower's imposing presence and the adjacent stretches of the city wall evoke a sense of the town's medieval past. While the tower's interior is currently inaccessible, its exterior provides ample opportunity for exploration and appreciation. Visitors can stroll along Bahnhofstraße and Kesselbodengasse, tracing the path of the former city walls and imagining the lives of those who once defended the town.

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