Upper Tower

The Upper Tower is a massive stone gate tower with medieval features located in the historical old town of Aarau. Its structure displays a simple, powerful design with small window openings and once served as a controlled passage point.

The tower was built in 1270 and marked the northern entrance to the city of Aarau during the medieval period. It served as part of the city fortification and played an important role in controlling and defending the inhabited area.

The tower displays medieval building methods through its thick stone walls and narrow proportions, typical of this region at that time. Visitors can observe the craftsmanship techniques of earlier centuries visible in its structure.

The tower stands on Rathausgasse and is easily reached on foot when exploring the alleyways of the old town center. Access to the interior may be limited since it remains an active historical structure in daily use.

The tower displays traces of changes across the centuries on its facade, showing how the city adapted its entrances to new times. Individual repairs and modifications remain visible today, telling the story of the structure's long history of use.

Location: Aarau

Inception: 1270

Part of: list of cultural properties in Aarau

Address: Zwischen den Toren 24 / Graben 38.1, 5000 Aarau

GPS coordinates: 47.39192,8.04445

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:03