Heinturm Ossendorf, former watchtower
The Heinturm Ossendorf is a medieval stone watchtower on the Heinberg hill near Warburg in North Rhine-Westphalia. Built around 1430, the tower has a diameter of about 13 feet (4 meters) and stands 49 feet (15 meters) tall. It was constructed from white limestone and red sandstone, with an entrance that was originally accessed only by ladder.
The tower was built in 1430 by order of Prince-Bishop Dietrich II. von Moers and served to watch over the area around Warburg. In 1760, it played a role during a major battle when French troops did not occupy it, a decision that surprised the enemy and helped secure their defeat.
The tower's name comes from the nearby field called 'Heidenberger Feld', which refers to heather plants that once covered the hill. For the people of Ossendorf and Warburg, this structure remains a symbol of their past and the protection their ancestors built long ago.
The tower can be viewed from the outside and is visible from throughout Ossendorf. Visitors cannot enter or climb the structure as it is a protected monument located at an elevation of 259 meters (850 feet), offering wide views of the surrounding landscape.
Despite being heavily damaged by grenade fire during World War II, the tower was independently repaired by Ossendorf residents shortly after the war and restored again in 1990. This determination reflects the community's deep connection to their historic landmark.
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