Henkerturm, Medieval fortified tower in Nuremberg, Germany
The Henkerturm is a stone fortified tower built into Nuremberg's medieval city walls and accessible from Trödelmarkt 58. The structure displays thick masonry typical of defensive fortifications and forms part of the long defensive line that surrounded the city.
The tower dates to the Middle Ages and served as part of Nuremberg's defensive system against attacks. Its development is linked to the city's growth, as Nuremberg expanded and reinforced its walls over time.
The tower once served as a prison and execution site, which is how it earned its name. Its position in the city walls shows how Nuremberg controlled its boundaries and the role such structures played in daily life within the medieval settlement.
The tower sits directly in the old town and can be viewed from the outside, giving clear views of the ancient city wall. It is worth exploring the area around Trödelmarkt, as other sections of the fortifications are nearby.
The name Henkerturm refers to the tower's grim past as an execution site within the city. This designation is still preserved in the name visitors see today, serving as a reminder of medieval justice systems.
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