Roter Turm, Medieval tower in Jena, Germany.
The Roter Turm is a medieval defensive tower distinguished by its cylindrical form and red brick walls rising about 19 meters high. Today it houses office spaces including a law firm and digital agency, with its solid structure and historical character still clearly visible.
The tower was built around 1430 as part of the city's defensive system and served as a fortification. Over time it was repurposed and later functioned as a residential building before being restored to its current form in the 1800s.
The name comes from the distinctive red brick walls that have defined the tower's appearance and set it apart in the city's layout. Visitors can still see this characteristic coloring today, which gives the structure a recognizable presence in the urban landscape.
The tower is not wheelchair accessible, so visitors with mobility restrictions cannot enter. The offices inside are not open to the public, so viewing the structure from outside in the city is the most practical way to see it.
The tower suffered major structural damage during renovation work in the 1990s and required extensive restoration. The reconstruction work between 1999 and 2000 saved the building from collapse and allowed it to continue serving its current purpose today.
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