Karlstor, Medieval gate tower at Karlsplatz, Munich, Germany.
Karlstor is a gate structure with two side towers connected by a large central arch at Karlsplatz. The building marks the western entrance to Munich's pedestrian shopping district and functions as a passage linking the plaza to the main commercial street.
The gate was built in the 14th century as Neuhauser Tor and served as part of the medieval city wall. A gunpowder explosion in 1862 destroyed the original central tower, leading to a complete reconstruction with its present design.
Four carved stone figures in the gate's arch represent people who mattered to Munich's past. These faces are visible parts of the structure that visitors notice as they walk through.
The gate is easily accessible on foot and serves as a natural crossing point between the plaza and the shopping zone. The wide central passage allows comfortable movement even during busy times.
A hidden tunnel beneath the gate was discovered in 1970 during archaeological work and was historically used by soldiers and townspeople for city access. This underground passage reveals how people once moved through the city when the main entrance was restricted.
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