Shoemakers' tower in Sighișoara, Fortified tower from 1522 in Sighișoara, Romania.
Shoemakers' tower is a fortified structure built in 1522 as part of Sighișoara's medieval defensive wall system. It features large windows, an observation turret on the roof, and baroque architectural details added during its reconstruction in the late 1600s.
The tower was built in 1522 as part of Sighișoara's medieval fortifications. After a gunpowder explosion caused severe damage in 1676, it was reconstructed and reshaped in baroque style by 1681.
The tower takes its name from the shoemakers' guild, which held responsibility for maintaining this section of the defensive wall as part of their trade rights. Guild members used it both as a watchtower and as a symbol of their professional standing in the city.
A wooden staircase installed in 2001 leads up to the observation point at the top. From there, you get a clear view over the medieval town and the surrounding rooftops.
The tower now houses a local radio station, blending centuries-old medieval architecture with modern broadcasting equipment. This functional reuse demonstrates how historic structures continue to serve contemporary purposes in the city.
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