Fangelturm, Prison tower of the medieval town wall in Neubrandenburg, Germany

Fangelturm is a circular brick tower in Neubrandenburg that rises about 25 meters high and spans roughly 6.5 meters in diameter. The walls are notably thick, giving the structure a substantial and sturdy appearance throughout its height.

During the 15th century, this circular brick tower was built into the city wall of Neubrandenburg as one of two defensive structures facing threats from the Duchy of Pomerania. It marks an important moment in the city's defensive efforts of that era.

The name Mönchenturm refers to the Franciscan monastery that once stood nearby; the tower itself served as the city prison until the 19th century, which gave it the name Fangelturm (from fangen, to catch). The building is a stop on the route along Neubrandenburg's medieval wall circuit, where the brick Gothic wall and gates are still walked today.

The tower has been open to visitors since the mid-1990s. The present ground-floor entrance and the Gothic-style opening beside the tower date only from 19th-century reconstruction work, so the doorway you use is not medieval.

Inside, there is a special opening roughly 70 centimeters across that once served as the only connection to the outside world, bringing light and air to prisoners held within. This small hole reveals the harsh conditions people once endured here.