Iron Tower, Medieval watchtower in Mainz, Germany.
The Iron Tower is a medieval structure in Mainz featuring six stories with thick stone walls and a Romanesque gateway entrance decorated with carved lions at its base. It now functions as an exhibition space while preserving its original construction and remaining accessible for cultural purposes.
The tower was built around 1240 as part of Mainz's city fortifications, initially serving as a defensive structure. By the 17th century it had been repurposed as a military prison before eventually becoming a cultural space.
The tower now houses the Kunstverein Eisenturm Mainz, an art association that regularly organizes contemporary art exhibitions within its medieval spaces. Visitors experience here the blend of history and modern artistic culture in an authentic setting.
The tower is easily accessible from the city center and regularly open to visitors during exhibition hours. It is helpful to check opening times and current exhibition schedules beforehand to ensure the space is active during your visit.
The name 'Iron Tower' comes from an iron market that operated nearby until the 19th century, connecting the structure to local trade activities. This marketplace shaped how locals understood and referred to the location throughout the centuries.
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