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Brandenburg City Walls

Discover Brandenburg an der Havel's medieval city walls: a journey through history, revealing the strategic importance and enduring legacy of this historic German town.

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Explore the remnants of Brandenburg an der Havel's medieval city fortifications, a testament to its rich history and strategic importance. Once encompassing both the Old Town (Altstadt) and New Town (Neustadt), these brick walls, dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, served as vital defenses. Today, significant portions remain, offering a glimpse into the past. Discover the four surviving gate towers – the Plauer Torturm, Rathenower Torturm, Mühlentorturm, and Steintorturm – each with its unique architectural features and stories. Wander along the preserved sections of the wall, imagining life within this fortified city. The Brandenburger Stadtbefestigung provides a tangible link to Brandenburg's medieval past and is a must-see for history enthusiasts and anyone seeking to connect with the city's heritage.

A brief summary to Brandenburger Stadtbefestigung

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking along the uneven surfaces of the preserved wall sections.
  • Visit the Steintorturm museum for an in-depth look at the city's history and the role of the fortifications.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along the Stadtkanal (city canal) to see additional sections of the wall.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Neustädtischer Markt (New Town Market), walk east along Steinstraße. The Steintorturm, a prominent part of the city walls, will be visible on your right. Continue along Steinstraße to explore the adjacent sections of the wall. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, from the Altstädtischer Markt (Old Town Market), cross the Jahrtausendbrücke (Millennium Bridge) and follow the signs towards the Steintorturm. Sections of the wall can be seen along the Stadtkanal in this area.

  • Public Transport

    From Brandenburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station), take tram line 1 or 2 towards Anton-Saefkow-Allee or Hohenstücken Nord, respectively. Get off at the 'Neustädtischer Markt' stop. From there, follow the walking directions above. A single tram ticket costs €2.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from Brandenburg Hauptbahnhof to Wollenweberstraße 27 will take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around €12-€18. Note that availability may vary.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to Wollenweberstraße 27, 14776 Brandenburg an der Havel. Parking is available on nearby streets, but spaces can be limited, especially during peak hours. There may be parking available at Parkplatz Küsthardtstraße, which is within walking distance. Parking fees vary, but expect to pay around €2 per hour.

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Discover more about Brandenburger Stadtbefestigung

The Brandenburger Stadtbefestigung, or Brandenburg City Walls, stands as a compelling reminder of the medieval history of Brandenburg an der Havel. These fortifications, initially constructed around 1300, once protected the then-independent cities of Altstadt (Old Town) and Neustadt (New Town). The two towns, separated by the Havel River, each possessed their own distinct defensive systems until their unification in 1715. The walls, primarily built of brick, replaced earlier earth and timber structures, reflecting the growing importance and wealth of the cities. The strategic significance of Brandenburg an der Havel necessitated robust defenses. As a key settlement in the Mark Brandenburg, it faced numerous threats and conflicts throughout its history. The city walls served not only as a physical barrier against invaders but also as a symbol of the city's power and independence. The construction and maintenance of these fortifications required significant resources and manpower, demonstrating the commitment of the city's inhabitants to their own protection. Originally, the fortifications included a complete circuit of walls, punctuated by numerous towers and gatehouses. The walls lacked battlements, a common feature in other parts of the region, instead relying on *Wiekhäuser*, square towers with defensive platforms. Ditches were dug outside the walls to further impede attackers. The nine medieval city gates, some featuring elaborate barbicans and drawbridges, controlled access to the city and facilitated trade and commerce. Over time, the city walls underwent various modifications and expansions to adapt to changing military technologies and strategic needs. However, the ravages of the Thirty Years' War in the 17th century led to a decline in their importance. As warfare evolved, the walls became less effective as a defensive structure, and sections were gradually dismantled to accommodate urban growth and improve traffic flow. Despite these losses, substantial portions of the city walls have survived to the present day, offering visitors a tangible connection to Brandenburg's medieval past. The most prominent remnants are the four gate towers: the Plauer Torturm, Rathenower Torturm, Mühlentorturm, and Steintorturm. Each tower possesses its own unique architectural characteristics and historical significance. The Plauer Torturm, likely dating from the 14th century, features an expressionistic crown added in the 1920s. The Rathenower Torturm, a square brick tower, once guarded the northern entrance to the Old Town. The Mühlentorturm, and the Steintorturm, each contribute to the narrative of the city's defenses. Walking along the preserved sections of the city walls, visitors can imagine the bustling life of medieval Brandenburg. The walls evoke a sense of the city's past, offering a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of its inhabitants. The Brandenburger Stadtbefestigung is not merely a collection of stones and bricks; it is a living testament to the enduring spirit of Brandenburg an der Havel. Today, the surviving sections of the Brandenburger Stadtbefestigung are carefully preserved and maintained as historical landmarks. They serve as a reminder of the city's rich heritage and attract visitors from around the world. The city walls are an integral part of Brandenburg's cultural identity and a source of pride for its residents. Exploring the Brandenburger Stadtbefestigung offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the atmosphere of a medieval city. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply seeking to connect with the past, the city walls of Brandenburg an der Havel are sure to leave a lasting impression. Don't miss the chance to explore the other attractions in Brandenburg an der Havel, such as the Brandenburg Cathedral, the Old Town Hall, and the various museums that showcase the city's history and culture. Brandenburg an der Havel is a city with a rich and diverse heritage, offering something for everyone to enjoy. As you explore the Brandenburger Stadtbefestigung, take a moment to reflect on the generations of people who lived and worked within these walls. Imagine the sounds of the city, the hustle and bustle of the marketplace, and the ever-present threat of invasion. The city walls stand as a silent witness to the passage of time, reminding us of the enduring power of history and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. The Brandenburger Stadtbefestigung is more than just a historical site; it is a symbol of the city's resilience, its determination to survive and thrive in the face of adversity. It is a reminder that even in the midst of change, the past continues to shape the present and inspire the future.

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