Roter Turm, Medieval fortified tower near Isartor, Munich, Germany
The Red Tower was a fortified structure at the western bridgehead position of the Isar Bridge, forming an essential part of Munich's medieval river defense system. The building stood at the intersection of Ludwigsbrücke and Zweibrückenstraße, where it controlled passage and protected the river crossing.
The tower was built between 1517 and 1519 by Munich authorities and initially named Neuer Turm bei der Isarbrücke to strengthen the river crossing defenses. The structure suffered severe damage from French and Austrian artillery exchanges in 1796 and was finally demolished entirely in 1804.
The name Red Tower refers to the reddish hue that characterized the structure over centuries, reflecting Munich's medieval fortification traditions. Its location near the Isar Bridge made it a visible landmark that residents and travelers used as a point of reference in the city.
The site where the tower once stood is located at a busy traffic intersection in central Munich and is easily accessible on foot. The area today is shaped by modern buildings and street traffic, so visitors need to consciously orient themselves to the historical location to understand where the former structure stood.
The structure experienced an unexpected episode in 1705 when farmers from the Oberländer Bauernaufstand seized the tower during their uprising against local authorities. This event shows how strategically important the position was, attracting even rebellious forces seeking to exert control over the city.
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