Trutz Tilly

Trutz Tilly is a military sconce built by Magdeburg in 1631 as a river defense that extended from the Elbe bank to Rehberg. The fortification formed an obtuse angle and projected into the surrounding meadow landscape.

The sconce was built in 1631 under Swedish command by Dietrich von Falkenberg to protect river traffic during the siege. It was constructed as the city defended itself against multiple attacking forces.

The name represented a deliberate challenge to the opposing commander Johann t'Serclaes von Tilly during the Thirty Years' War. Such a provocative naming choice reflected how places carried political messages during this conflict.

The former fortification site is now accessible as open grounds near Rehberg and can be easily reached from the junction of the Dornburger Alte Elbe and the main river. The area is walkable and offers free access to explore the former defense perimeter.

The garrison was commanded by Captain Böse with about 80 soldiers who were caught off guard when Pappenheimer troops approached silently through a small forest from nearby Prester. This ambush tactic illustrates the vulnerable position of small isolated outposts.