Nikolaikirchturm, Medieval church tower in Altenburg, Germany

The Nikolaikirchturm is the last remaining element of Saint Nicholas Church in Altenburg and features Romanesque twin windows along with an octagonal upper section from 1609. The structure displays thick masonry, round arches in its lower section, and skillfully carved columns in its upper levels.

A Romanesque fortified church stood here from the 11th century and was replaced in the 13th century by a new church. Major fires struck in 1428 and 1562, and in 1528 the ruined nave was demolished, leaving the 45-metre tower, which has served as an observation tower ever since a tower watchman moved in around 1609.

The tower's name recalls Saint Nicholas, the church that stood here until its nave was demolished in 1528. From 1609 a Türmer, a tower watchman, lived in the 45-metre structure, keeping lookout over Altenburg. Visitors today climb it as an observation tower, the role it has held since the church itself disappeared.

The 45-metre tower is a viewing tower, so reaching the top means climbing; the turret keeper's quarters date from 1609. The tower stands in Altenburg in the Altenburger Land district of Thuringia. Check opening times before setting out, since access to the tower is not continuous.

The tower is 45 metres high and had a resident watchman (Türmer) from 1609, who kept lookout over Altenburg from the top. The church below was a Romanesque fortified church (Wehrkirche) of the 13th century, and its nave ruin was demolished in 1528, leaving the tower standing alone.