Schellenturm, Medieval defense tower in Stuttgart, Germany
Schellenturm is an octagonal tower with a timber-frame upper section that stands out in Stuttgart's skyline. Inside the tower, a wine restaurant operates with a traditional atmosphere serving local beverages and food.
Built in 1564, the tower formed part of Stuttgart's defense network protecting the city. It was reconstructed following bombing in 1944, which changed its structural appearance but kept it standing.
The name comes from Schellenwerker, prisoners who wore bells on their clothing while working on fortifications. This origin reflects how the tower was tied to the city's past labor practices and social systems.
The tower is easily visible and accessible in downtown Stuttgart, featuring a wine restaurant inside with set opening times. Plan a visit in the afternoon or evening when the restaurant is open and the city surroundings are more lively.
After wartime destruction, the original heavy stone upper section was replaced with a lighter timber-frame construction. This reconstruction change is visible today and marks how the building adapted to practical constraints of the postwar period.
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