1386Construction of the Leonhardsturm (Leonhard’s Tower)

The structure, “begun in the year of our Lord 1386 on the day of Saint Mark (April 25th),” is the only gate tower of the medieval fortification system still standing today. We owe the exact determination of the construction year to the Gothic inscription in the stone pointed arch above the entrance portal to the tower, located at a height of 6 meters. At that time, access was gained from the city wall.

The tower, a landmark of the city, has a height of 27 meters, which exactly corresponds to the circumference of the round tower at its base. The diameter is 8.60 meters, the wall thickness 2.40 meters, and the top platform is at a height of 21.25 meters. A cone is set upon it, which is another 6.20 meters high; the whole thing is crowned by a wagon wheel with a stork’s nest on top, which explains the common local name “Storksnäst.” The tower was a combination of an observation and watchtower, which simultaneously served a defensive function, as evidenced by the embrasures. Additionally, it was used as a prison, where prisoners were lowered into the lowest vault through a hole using a windlass.

The name “Lennert,” common in local parlance, is derived from the linen weavers’ guild (Leinweberzunft), which was obligated to maintain the tower. (MNic)