Alsfeld walled!New town fortifications

The oldest surviving account in which the city wall is mentioned dates from 1384. The city fortifications, consisting of walls, a moat, and towers, served to protect and defend the city. They formed not only the boundary between the urban and rural worlds but were also the legal border. Different laws applied within the walls than outside, and citizens of the city enjoyed additional privileges compared to non-citizens.

In the late 14th century, the construction of a new city fortification was completed in Alsfeld. The city wall extended over approximately 1,200 meters and reached a height of up to 7 meters. In front of this wall ran a wide, water-filled moat. Four gates provided access: the Obertor in the north, the Hersfelder Tor in the east, the Fulder Tor in the southeast, and the Mainzer Tor in the southwest.

It is very likely that there were previous fortifications, although their exact form and extent are unknown. The model was created for the reorganization of the museum and shows Alsfeld around 1550. By this time, the conversion of the Walpurgis Church, the construction of the new Town Hall, the Wine and Wedding House, and the Landgrave’s Castle had already been completed. The fortifications likely largely corresponded to those of 1384. In 1553/54, the moat was filled in and converted into gardens. (JP)