Schiefes Haus, Timber-framed heritage monument in Idstein, Germany.
Schiefes Haus is a timber-framed building in Idstein that leans noticeably to one side. Wooden beams cross the pale infill walls, and windows and doors sit at odd angles due to the structure's tilt.
The building was constructed during the peak period of timber-framed construction in central Europe using traditional hand-crafted methods. Over the centuries, the foundation settled, creating the distinctive lean that gave it its name.
The building takes its name from its obvious lean, which shows the visible wear of daily life over time. Visitors can see how people adapted to living with architectural imperfections across generations.
The building sits in the heart of Idstein's old town and is easy to reach on foot. Since it remains a private residence, you can view it only from the street as you walk through the historic area.
The building remains occupied today despite leaning for centuries, showing how robust this old construction method really was. The tilt did not keep growing over time but stopped at some point, proving the structure's actual stability.
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