Photos

The Old Gate, named "Altpörtel", is one of the tallest (55m) and most important town gates in Germany.

The first historical references to it date from 1176. It used to be part of the medieval fortifications of the town and was the main gate on the west side (here shown) of the town.

The lower part was built between 1230 and 1250. The uppermost floor of the tower, with its late Gothic tracery balustrade and arcaded gallery, was added between 1512 and 1514.

The steep roof with the lantern on it, was added in 1708. The east side of the gate (originally the city side) in particular, displays a rich variation of architectural features. The west side has small embrasures.

On the northern side of the passage, one can see the 28cm long "Speyerer Normalschuh". This iron rod dictated the standard unit of measure to be used by any merchant wishing to do business in Speyer.

Luckily, the gate survived the destruction of the city in 1689, and so remains one of the few remnants of the medieval fortifications of the town.

Be sure to take the time to climb the tower for a magnificent view of the city!

After the interior of the tower was renovated, a permanent exhibition was set up on the first floor, which documents the history of Speyer's town fortifications and of the Old Gate.

I cropped the picture for a better composition. In the Workshop you can see the original picture and the tower in its full glory!