Marschiertor, Aachen Travel Guide

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Explore the Marschiertor, Aachen's imposing medieval gate, a testament to the city's historical significance and architectural prowess. A must-see landmark!

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Marschiertor

The Marschiertor, a mighty relic of Aachen's medieval past, stands as one of Western Europe's most formidable surviving city gates. Constructed in the late 13th century, it once served as the southern gate of Aachen's outer city wall, guarding the road to Burtscheid and housing the city's main armory.

A brief summary to Marschiertor

Franzstraße 995, Aachen, Aachen-Mitte, 52064, DE

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Marschiertor.

Visit in the evening to see the Marschiertor illuminated as part of Aachen's 'Lichtprojekt'.
Explore the area around the gate, within walking distance of the Aachen Cathedral and Town Hall.
Check out the Denkmal des schnitzenden Pennsoldaten, a statue of a carving Pennsoldat, a gift from the Stadtgarde Oecher Penn to Aachen.

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Explore Marschiertor on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Marschiertor, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

The Marschiertor is located within walking distance of Aachen's city center, including the Aachen Cathedral and the Rathaus. From the Markt (main market square), head south on Kockerellstraße, which turns into Ursulinerstraße. Continue onto Franzstraße; the Marschiertor will be on your right. No costs are involved.
Public Transport

The Marschiertor is accessible via bus. From Aachen Hauptbahnhof (central station), take bus line 3 or 5 and disembark at the 'Franzstraße' stop, which is directly next to the gate. A single ticket within Aachen (Preisstufe 1) costs €2.80.
Parking

Several parking garages are available near the Marschiertor. Consider parking at the Parkhaus Pontstraße, which is a short walk away. Parking rates are approximately €2.00 per hour, with a maximum daily rate of €12.00. Be aware of Aachen's low emission zone; a green sticker is required for vehicles.

Discover more about Marschiertor

The Marschiertor in Aachen is a powerful reminder of the city's rich history and medieval architecture. Built starting around 1257 and completed shortly after 1300, this imposing structure was also known as the Mieschierspforte or Burtscheider Tor. It formed the southernmost point of Aachen's second city fortification ring, the Gothic Wall, built between the 14th and 15th centuries.The Marschiertor is designed as a double-tower gate castle. The two towers, each four stories high, flank a central structure that rises to five stories. Together, they form a cohesive unit crowned with a steep, pointed roof. The gate spans 23.8 meters in width, with a passageway width of 4.8 meters. The field-side portal of the Marschiertor features three staggered arches.Throughout its history, the Marschiertor has served various purposes, including a military stronghold, storage room, shelter for the homeless, youth hostel, and even a headquarters for the Hitler Youth during the Nazi era. The gate suffered significant damage during World War II, particularly on July 14, 1943, when it was hit by incendiary bombs. Restoration efforts culminated in 1959 with the reconstruction of its characteristic steep roof.In 1964, the city entrusted the Marschiertor to the Stadtgarde Oecher Penn von 1857 e. V., a carnival society. The society restored and maintained the gate, transforming it into their headquarters. Today, the large armory hall within the gate can accommodate up to 200 guests.