Semlower Tor, Medieval city gate in Stralsund, Germany
The Semlower Tor was Stralsund's tallest city gate with brick construction and Renaissance gables added in 1599. The structure also contained living quarters and served as a grain storage facility throughout its use.
The gate was first documented in 1277 and connected the old town with the harbor area until its demolition in 1960. Severe damage from World War II bombing ultimately led to its removal.
The gate served as a meeting point where merchants and townspeople gathered as they entered or left the city for centuries. Its passage shaped daily life and remained meaningful to those who lived here.
Today visitors can see fragments of the original structure integrated into an adjacent building that was renovated in 1998. These remains offer a concrete connection to the gate's physical past within the city.
The gate functioned not only as a passageway but also as a residence with separate areas for different purposes under one roof. This dual use was uncommon for medieval city gates and reveals how people lived and worked in such structures.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
