Döhrener Turm, Medieval watchtower in Südstadt-Bult, Germany
The Döhrener Turm is a brick watchtower in Südstadt-Bult sitting on a traffic island and rising about 15 meters high. The structure features three floors with thick walls containing arrow slits, a fireplace room, and an upper wooden floor added during 1970s restoration work.
The watchtower was built in 1382 as part of Hannover's defensive system and contained about 17,000 bricks in its walls. Beyond defense, it also functioned as a customs post and monitoring point against illegal wood harvesting from the surrounding area.
The tower marks where a small garrison held off attackers in 1486, an event that became legendary in the city's story. This defensive moment shaped how locals saw their hometown's strength.
The structure sits on a traffic island near Hildesheimer Street, making it visible and easy to spot from the road. Note that interior access may be limited since this is a protected heritage site best appreciated from the outside.
The tower has a special lighting schedule that operates only from mid-October through early March to protect water bats during their hibernation period. This protection shows how the site balances heritage conservation with care for the wildlife living nearby.
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