Rathenower Torturm: A Medieval Guardian

Explore Brandenburg's oldest town gate, the Rathenower Torturm, a medieval landmark with a rich history, sturdy architecture, and a glimpse into the city's past.

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Rathenower Torturm

The Rathenower Torturm, Brandenburg an der Havel's oldest preserved town gate, stands as a testament to the city's medieval fortifications. Constructed around 1290, it initially served as a gatehouse with a drawbridge, guarding the northern approach to the Altstadt (Old Town). Over the centuries, it has witnessed sieges, served as a dungeon, and adapted to changing times. Today, its sturdy brick structure, topped with a distinctive pointed conical roof and decorative crest-shaped apertures, offers a glimpse into Brandenburg's rich history. While no longer a functioning gate, the Torturm remains a striking landmark, inviting visitors to explore its past and appreciate its architectural details. Its location near the Walther-Rathenau-Platz, with sections of the original town wall still visible, further enhances its historical context. A visit to the Rathenower Torturm provides a tangible connection to Brandenburg's medieval heritage, offering a unique perspective on the city's evolution.

A brief summary to Rathenower Torturm

Rathenower Str., Brandenburg, 14770, DE

Local tips

Combine your visit with a walk along the preserved sections of the medieval town wall near Walther-Rathenau-Platz for a more immersive experience.
Check local event listings, as the Torturm and its surroundings sometimes host historical reenactments or cultural festivals.
Visit during the day to fully appreciate the architectural details and decorative elements of the Torturm's exterior.

Getting There

Walking

From the Altstädtischer Markt (Old Town Market Square), walk northwest along Ritterstraße, following signs towards the Rathenower Straße. Continue onto Rathenower Straße; the Rathenower Torturm will be visible on your left after a few blocks. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes, passing shops and historical buildings.
Public Transport

From Brandenburg Hauptbahnhof (Central Station), take Tram line 1 or 2 towards Anton-Saefkow-Allee. Get off at the Nicolaiplatz stop. From there, walk north along Steinstraße, then turn left onto Rathenower Straße. The Rathenower Torturm will be on your right. A single tram fare is €2.50.
Taxi/Ride-Share

A taxi or ride-share from Brandenburg Hauptbahnhof to the Rathenower Torturm will take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around €8-€12. Ask the driver to take you to Rathenower Straße near Walther-Rathenau-Platz.

Discover more about Rathenower Torturm

The Rathenower Torturm, a venerable sentinel of Brandenburg an der Havel, offers a captivating journey into the city's medieval past. Standing proudly as the oldest preserved town gate, this historical landmark whispers tales of defense, adaptation, and resilience. Construction of the Torturm began around 1290, strategically positioned outside the palisade to safeguard the northern approach to the Altstadt. Initially conceived as a gatehouse, it featured a crucial drawbridge, controlling access to the city. Around 1310, the structure was expanded on the town side, further solidifying its defensive capabilities. By 1320, two upper floors were added, adorned with crest-shaped apertures along their outer edges, completing the primary construction phase. The Torturm's history took a darker turn after 1355, possibly as a consequence of the city's allegiance to the "False Waldemar," an imposter claiming to be the deceased margrave. The gate was sealed, transformed into a dungeon, and a vaulted gun chamber was installed above. This marked a significant shift in the Torturm's function, from a gateway to a prison. Over the centuries, the Rathenower Torturm has undergone various transformations, reflecting the changing needs and architectural styles of Brandenburg. In 1911, a passage was created through the tower to accommodate pedestrian traffic, altering its original structure. During World War II, in 1945, the Torturm sustained damage from artillery fire, a testament to the city's wartime experiences. Restoration efforts culminated in 1996, ensuring the preservation of this invaluable historical monument. The Rathenower Torturm's architectural design is a testament to medieval craftsmanship. Constructed primarily of brick, the tower exhibits an irregular rectangular plan. Its most distinguishing feature is the pointed conical roof, topped with an iron raven holding a ring in its beak. The tower's façade is adorned with decorative elements, including lesenes, horizontal friezes, and recessed round and coat-of-arms panels. These panels, facing the town, once displayed the coats of arms of Brandenburg and other significant entities. Today, the Rathenower Torturm stands as a prominent landmark, inviting visitors to delve into Brandenburg's rich history. While the interior is not always accessible, the exterior provides ample opportunity to appreciate the tower's architectural details and imagine its role in the city's defense. The adjacent Walther-Rathenau-Platz features a preserved section of the original town wall, further enhancing the historical context. Exploring the Rathenower Torturm offers a unique perspective on Brandenburg's evolution. From its origins as a defensive gate to its later use as a dungeon and its modern-day status as a historical monument, the Torturm embodies the city's enduring spirit. A visit to this medieval guardian is a must for anyone seeking to connect with Brandenburg's past and appreciate its architectural heritage. Beyond the Torturm itself, the surrounding area offers a glimpse into Brandenburg's charm. Cobblestone streets lined with shops and cafes invite exploration, while nearby historical landmarks such as St. Catherine's Church and the Dom St. Peter und Paul offer further insights into the city's cultural heritage. The Rathenower Torturm serves as an excellent starting point for discovering the many facets of Brandenburg an der Havel, a city where history and modernity intertwine. Imagine yourself transported back in time, standing before the imposing Rathenower Torturm. Picture the medieval guards patrolling the walls, the clatter of the drawbridge, and the bustling activity of a city under siege. As you gaze upon the Torturm's sturdy structure, consider the countless stories it holds within its walls. This is more than just a historical monument; it's a portal to Brandenburg's past, a tangible link to the people and events that have shaped this remarkable city. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the Rathenower Torturm and discover the magic of Brandenburg an der Havel.

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Radon Andreas

Rathenower Torturm: A Medieval Guardian

A brief summary to Rathenower Torturm

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Taxi/Ride-Share

Unlock the Best of Rathenower Torturm

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Rathenower Torturm

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Rathenower Torturm

St. Gotthardt

Gotisches Haus

Plauer Torturm

August Wredow Statue

St. Johannis

Alexander von Humboldt-Denkmal

Friedrich-Schiller-Denkmal

Bootslore

Brandenburger Stadtbefestigung

Neustädtischer Mühlentorturm

Gedenktafel Bund Länder Programm Soziale Stadt

Leuchtturm Breitlingsee

Alte Eiche

Ministerweg von Rochow bepflanzt mit der Göttiner Bürgerinitiative Naturnahe Ortsteile

Unmissable attractions to see

Friedenswarte auf dem Marienberg

Weinberg Brandenburg an der Havel

Loriotdenkmal

Am Salzhofufer

Waldmops (Paar) im Humboldthain

Waldmops (Denkmal) - Erinnerung an Loriot

Waldmops (Denkmal) - Homage an Loriot

Slawendorf Brandenburg an der Havel

Waldmops am Brunnen/Dom

Fritze Bollmann Brunnen

Brandenburg Cathedral

Waldmops am Dom

Steinschlägerin

Waldmops Domlinden

Havelpegel

Essential places to dine

Restaurant Parduin

Ratskeller

Restaurant Inspektorenhaus

Gaststätte Zur Insel

Gaststätte zum Elfmeter

Am Humboldthain

Gaststätte "Zum Bootshaus"

Schweineschnäuzchen

Restaurant Remise

Herzschlag Brandenburg

Restaurant Theaterklause

Restaurant an der Dominsel

Steakhaus El Gaucho

Kartoffelkäfer

Restaurant Casa Bianca

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

nähkaufhaus.de Online Shop

pachamama Laden – plastikfrei & unverpackt – Trageberatung, Stoffwindeln, Kurse

Stehachterl

Weltladen Brandenburg an der Havel

Artimesia

Dürerhaus Hans-Peter Zahn

Wedekind Angel, Sport-, Spiel- u. Schreibwaren & freie Waffen

Depot

Wedekind Mode

Shirt Instyle

Sankt-Annen-Galerie

MÄC-GEIZ

Christ

JEANS FRITZ

Takko Fashion

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Bending Times

Altstadt Pub

Zur Erbse