Pfaffenturm

The Pfaffenturm is a medieval fortified tower in Aachen with a circular floor plan measuring roughly 9 meters across. The structure rises over two stories to about 8.65 meters high, with several windows that replaced the original arrow slits and shooting holes.

The tower was built between 1442 and 1456 as part of Aachen's outer defensive walls. It was positioned between Junkerstor and Königstor gateways near the Johannisbach stream and served the city's medieval defense system.

The name refers to the cathedral chapter clergy who managed the tower's guards and supervised its defensive role. This arrangement shows how closely the church and city government worked together in medieval Aachen.

The tower is easily accessible in a populated city area between well-known gateways, making it simple to locate and orient yourself. Visitors can view the exterior from various angles along the street, though access to the interior may be limited depending on the time.

This was the only completely round tower in Aachen's outer wall system. What makes it distinctive is that three-quarters of the structure extended outside the city perimeter while one-quarter remained inside.