Steintor, Medieval city gate in Bernau bei Berlin, Germany
Steintor is a four-story brick gate tower with a rectangular floor plan and battlements at the top, standing as part of Bernau's medieval fortification system. The structure connects to the adjacent Hunger Tower and displays the Gothic architectural style typical of that era.
The brick tower was built in the late Gothic style during the second half of the 15th century as one of three original city gates. It remains the sole survivor of Bernau's medieval gate system, as the others were destroyed or removed over time.
The gate tower has housed a local history museum since 1882, displaying medieval items such as weapons, guild signs, and everyday objects that show how craftspeople and residents lived. These collections offer direct insights into the daily routines and work of people who inhabited Bernau centuries ago.
The exterior is visible and worth viewing for its substantial brick walls and fortified structure. Access to the interior and museum collection may be limited, so it is best to check opening hours in advance before planning a visit.
The lower defense corridor houses the 'Poor Sinner's Chamber', where condemned prisoners spent their final days before execution. This grim space offers a stark reminder of medieval justice and the realities of life in late medieval Bernau.
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