Schwabentor, Medieval city gate in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
The Schwabentor is one of two remaining gates from the original city fortifications, featuring a tower with painted murals and stone construction. Its interior houses the Zinnfigurenklause museum, which displays about 9,000 tin figures arranged in detailed dioramas that depict regional historical events.
The gate was built around 1250 and underwent major changes in 1547 when stone walls were added to enclose its inner section and strengthen defenses. This rebuilding reflects how fortification techniques evolved from medieval to early modern times.
The gate displays a notable relief of a young person with a thorn on its keystone, representing spiritual concepts from medieval religious thinking. This carved image offers visitors insight into how faith shaped the symbolism of the city's defenses.
The location is easy to reach on foot and sits close to the city center, making it simple to combine with other attractions. The museum inside is generally open on most days, though it is worth checking current opening times before visiting.
Carved into the inner wall is a little-known merchant tale about a Swabian trader who tried to purchase the city using barrels filled with sand instead of gold. This playful story reflects how the town protected itself against deceptive schemes.
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