Ratinger Tor

Ratinger Tor is a Gothic stone gatehouse on the eastern edge of Düsseldorf's old town with heavy walls and characteristic defensive elements. The structure displays typical medieval fortification architecture with tall ramparts and open passages for pedestrians and vehicles.

The gate was built in the late 13th century and formed part of the fortification system that protected Düsseldorf from external attack. Multiple rebuilding campaigns and restorations across the following centuries preserved its core structure while adapting it to changing needs.

The gate is named after the nearby Ratinger Strasse and now links the old city center with the modern Altstadt district. Residents and visitors use it as a natural passage between different periods of the city.

The gate sits at the edge of the old town and is easily reached on foot from the market square or the museum embankments. The surrounding area offers many restaurants, cafes, and shops that serve as ideal spots to rest before or after visiting.

The gate is actually far more than a simple freestanding arch - it is a solid building with interior spaces that served different purposes across the centuries. Today it houses a small museum explaining the history of the city fortifications and Düsseldorf's past.