Severinstorburg, Medieval fortified gateway in Altstadt-Süd, Germany
The Severinstorburg is a fortified gateway in the south of Cologne's old town with a rectangular main building and a four-story tower. The structure is built from tuff and basalt stone and once served as a defensive point at the city's edge.
The gateway was built between 1180 and 1259 during Cologne's expansion as a city and served as part of its defense system for centuries. It lost its military role in the 19th century but has remained standing as a symbol of the city's medieval past.
The gateway carries local stories that continue to shape Cologne's traditions today, such as the legend of the Juffer vom Severinstor. These tales connect visitors to the city's past in a personal way.
The building now houses a civic center and can be visited by guests, especially when exhibitions or cultural events are taking place. It is worth checking opening times before planning a visit.
Excavations in 2005 uncovered remains of a 15th-century reinforced outwork built to defend against Burgundian forces. These discoveries reveal how seriously the city took the protection of its boundaries.
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