Blockturm Nürtingen

Blockturm Nürtingen, or simply Blockturm as it is known locally, stands as a prominent historical landmark in the charming town of Nürtingen, located in the Baden-Württemberg region of Germany. This impressive tower, constructed between 1430 and 1435, is a testament to the architectural prowess and strategic significance of medieval fortifications. Built from the distinctive Nürtinger Rhätsandstein, the Blockturm is not just a relic of the past but a vivid storyteller of the town's rich history.

The Structure and Design of Blockturm Nürtingen

Blockturm Nürtingen boasts a robust and captivating design that has stood the test of time. The tower itself is cylindrical, with a diameter of 7.34 meters and a height of 16.90 meters. The exterior circumference measures approximately 23 meters, while the interior circumference is 12.86 meters. This sturdy construction features walls that are around 1.60 meters thick, providing formidable defense against any potential invaders.

The tower's ground floor houses an inaccessible dungeon with a domed ceiling, adding an air of mystery and intrigue. Above this, there are two circular tower rooms, with the first-floor room featuring a vaulted ceiling. At the top, the tower transitions into an octagonal attic with an eight-sided tent roof, giving it a distinctive and picturesque silhouette against the skyline.

Access to the Blockturm is gained via an entrance staircase, and from the first to the second floor, visitors traverse a battlement supported by stone arches. The tower has a total of five doors and five windows, with the windows likely dating back to the 20th century, while three of the doors are significantly older.

The Blockturm as a Defensive Tower

In its early years, the Blockturm Nürtingen played a crucial role in the town's defense system. As the southeastern corner tower of the town wall, it was strategically positioned to provide maximum visibility and defense against approaching enemies. During its construction, warfare primarily involved the use of cannons, crossbows, pikes, halberds, and occasionally short swords. The tower's thick stone walls and rounded design were particularly effective in withstanding attacks.

The Blockturm features embrasures for hook guns, and in the southern part of the second floor, a unique type of loophole known as a keyhole loophole can be found. This design, which resembles an inverted keyhole, was specifically intended for defense with handguns, combining a circular shooting opening with a vertical sight slit.

The Blockturm as a Prison

During the late Middle Ages, the Blockturm Nürtingen served a different, yet equally important, function as a prison. The term Blockturm is derived from the block – a heavy wooden device with holes for the prisoners' arms and legs. This grim apparatus was used to restrain inmates, with specific regulations dictating the duration of their confinement based on the severity of their crimes.

Inside the tower, it is said that there was a deep hole in the floor through which criminals were lowered into the dungeon below. Visitors can still see a metal ring on the wall of the first-floor tower room, a haunting reminder of the tower's past as a place of incarceration and punishment.

Modern-Day Blockturm Nürtingen

Today, the Blockturm Nürtingen is an integral part of the town's historical tours, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past. The tower is only accessible as part of these guided tours, ensuring that its rich history is shared with those who are eager to learn. As you explore the Blockturm, you can almost hear the echoes of medieval life, from the clanging of weapons to the murmurs of prisoners awaiting their fate.

Wandering through the narrow streets of Nürtingen and approaching the Blockturm, you are transported back in time. The tower stands as a silent sentinel, guarding the secrets of centuries gone by. Its weathered stones and ancient architecture tell tales of battles fought, prisoners held, and a town that has grown and evolved around it.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to Blockturm Nürtingen is a journey into the heart of medieval Germany. It is a place where history comes alive, and the past is ever-present, inviting you to explore and discover the stories that have shaped this remarkable town.