City Tower of the old town fortification Allendorf (Lumda)

The old defense tower, which was once part of the town wall of Allendorf, is considered the last relic of the former town fortification. This had to be built following the granting of the town charter to Allendorf on the basis of a decree in 1370. The round tower is six meters thick and thirteen meters high up to the eaves. On both sides of the tower, the wall connection can still be seen today. The city wall here was about two meters thick and four meters high. On the outside, the city wall was once surrounded by a moat, which was located two meters below the current street level. Several embrasures and light hatches only poorly illuminated the interior. The narrow shaft was accessible through the round 'fear hole' at a height of about 10 meters, which was again divided in the middle by a vault, this time with a square opening. The tower was thus used as a storage room, but also as a dungeon. A winch may have served for the transport of men and material.

The tower was accessible only through the door on the city side, which was about eight meters high and could be reached from the battlements by means of ladders. The tower's purpose as a prison is also indicated by the popular name for the narrow alley leading to it from Borngasse, which is called "Seufzerallee".

After losing its former meaning, the tower fell into oblivion and was hardly noticed. The city walls fell into disrepair and so the tower, now inaccessible, fell into a thorny sleep. For many decades or even centuries, no one knew what it looked like inside. At present, the tower must have held a special fascination for the inhabitants.

In 1980, as part of a village renewal program, an access to the tower was created that had not existed before. The tower was given a large door at ground level with oak boards and old hinges. Inside, a spiral staircase was created, whose 62 steps lead to the former entrance and further up, to the tower parlor. Light hatches give a view of the town and the countryside.

-Excerpt from the commemorative publication on the occasion of the inauguration after the restoration of the town tower on October 4, 1980. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Opening hours

The tower opens its doors for certain events and on request.

Open on the day of the open monument.

2021: 12.09. between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.