Lauenturm, Medieval defense tower in Bautzen, Germany
The Lauenturm is a defense tower in Bautzen standing 53 meters tall with thick stone walls from the early 15th century. The structure displays a compact medieval design built to withstand attacks, featuring solid masonry and proportions characteristic of fortifications from this period.
The tower was built between 1400 and 1403 when the city council seized materials meant for Ortenburg castle due to tensions with regional powers. This construction marked a moment of city independence and has remained a landmark of Bautzen ever since.
The name comes from the two-tailed lion symbol of the Bohemian kingdom, which once decorated the city gate pointing toward Bohemia. This heraldic emblem remains part of the local identity and marks this as a significant symbol of Bautzen's ties to the region.
A staircase of about 136 steps leads to an observation platform offering views across the old town and the surrounding Upper Lusatia region. The climb requires some physical effort but rewards visitors with a sweeping perspective of the city and landscape beyond.
The tower served as a high-security prison in the 16th century and housed a bell that rang from 1615 to 1865 during executions. This grim role is often overlooked today, but it made this structure a feared place in the city's past.
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