Osthofentor, Medieval city gate in Soest, Germany
The Osthofentor is a medieval city gate in Soest featuring two sturdy brick towers that frame a vaulted passage beneath them. The structure displays defensive elements such as projecting bay windows and narrow loopholes positioned in the upper sections.
The gate was constructed between 1523 and 1526 by master builder Porphyrius and replaced an earlier fortification on the same location. It remains the only survivor among the ten original gates that once surrounded Soest's walls.
The gate's name comes from its position as the eastern entrance to the city and served as a symbol of protection for Soest's residents. Today visitors can observe how the city controlled movement and how crucial these passageways were to daily routines.
The gate stands at Osthofenstraße 70 in central Soest and is easily accessible on foot. Visitors should check ahead whether guided tours or special viewing hours apply for access to the interior.
Inside the gate sits a museum housing roughly 25,000 medieval crossbow bolts. This collection reveals the remarkable range of projectile weapons that were produced and used in the region.
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