Martinstor, Medieval city gate in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
Martinstor is a medieval gate in Freiburg built from red sandstone with Neo-Gothic architectural details added during a 1901 renovation, standing about 60 meters (197 feet) tall on Kaiser-Joseph-Straße. The structure rises above the surrounding buildings and remains one of the most recognizable landmarks along this main commercial street.
Built in 1202 as one of two main defensive gates into the fortified city, this structure later served as a debtors' prison when its original function changed. Following the removal of the city walls in the 1800s, it lost its defensive purpose but was preserved and underwent restoration to maintain its importance as a landmark.
The name 'Martinstor' refers to its historical connection to a Franciscan monastery, and a plaque at the archway commemorates three women executed during the 1599 witch hunts. This memorial shows how the city acknowledges difficult chapters of its past in everyday public spaces.
The gate sits on Freiburg's main shopping street and is open to foot traffic throughout the day as a pedestrian walkway. Be aware that vehicles also pass through the archway and the area gets crowded during peak shopping hours with both visitors and residents.
Inside the gate sits a McDonald's restaurant designed to follow strict guidelines that preserve the historical character of the structure. This unusual pairing of medieval architecture with modern commerce shows how Freiburg integrates its past with the rhythm of contemporary city life.
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