Letziturm Basel, Medieval defense tower in St. Alban Quarter, Switzerland
Letziturm is a rectangular defense tower rising directly from the Rhine River, built with thick walls and three gun loopholes for defensive purposes. A terrace constructed in 1911 partially covers the original foundation and forms the main access point for visitors today.
The tower was built in 1676 as a Baroque fortress structure, replacing an earlier medieval tower that had occupied the site. It served as a strategic position where musketeers guarded the Rhine and protected the river crossing.
The tower displays the Basel coat of arms on a stone block facing the city, marking its role as a defensive symbol of local pride. This emblem remains visible today and connects the structure to Basel's heritage.
The tower can be reached easily via the Rhine riverside path that runs directly along the water and provides clear orientation. Be aware that the structure extends over the water, and access may be limited during high water periods.
During World War II, the Swiss Army added concrete bunkers with metal shutters on the terrace to create concealed machine gun positions. These defensive structures reveal how Switzerland adapted its border protection and left permanent marks on this historic tower.
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