Schmalzturm, Medieval defense tower in Landsberg am Lech, Germany.
Schmalzturm is a seven-story gate tower standing at the highest point of Landsberg am Lech's main square, decorated with late Gothic lily ornaments. Its distinctive tent roof topped with lanterns houses a clock mechanism and bells inside.
Built after 1270 as the eastern city gate, the tower received its Gothic form in 1458 during construction of new fortification walls. This marks the city's growth from medieval to early modern times.
The tower takes its name from market women who sold lard and goods at its base during medieval times, a tradition that shaped the local identity. This heritage remains visible in how residents refer to the place today.
The tower stands centrally on the main square and is easy to reach from all directions. Visitors can view it from the outside and admire its architectural details without needing special permission.
A cannonball remains mounted above the tower passage, bearing marks from 1796 when Napoleon's forces occupied the city. This physical reminder from the Napoleonic Wars remains visible to this day.
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