Bottmühle, Medieval tower in Altstadt-Süd, Germany.
The Bottmühle is a stone tower standing within Cologne's old city wall with thick walls and traditional mill features. The structure displays sturdy construction with elements that served both defensive and grain-processing purposes.
The tower was built as part of Cologne's medieval defenses and served as both a lookout and a grain mill. Over time it lost military importance while milling operations continued for a longer period.
The tower reflects how grain milling shaped daily work in the medieval city and served as a center for craft activity. Walking around it, you can still observe the features that supported this important trade.
The tower is visible and reachable from the street within the Altstadt-Süd area. Best visiting times are during daylight hours when the surrounding district is active and you can observe the architecture clearly.
The tower embodies the Bärwindmühle design, a specialized windmill construction from the region that blended defensive elements with milling mechanics. This hybrid design is uncommon in Cologne and reflects a practical solution for limited urban space.
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