Klingentor (Blade Gate), Rothenburg

Klingentor (Blade Gate), Rothenburg

In the picturesque town of Rothenburg, a remarkable gem named the Blade Gate stands as a testament to the intricate interplay between military and ecclesiastical architecture. What sets the Blade Gate apart is its seamless integration with the neighboring Church of St. Wolfgang. A harmonious blend of military and spiritual realms, this unique arrangement showcases the creative ingenuity of the town's builders.

Delving into its practical purpose, the Blade Gate reveals an ingenious design that showcases its military significance. The tower, standing at around thirty meters in height, became an instrument of defense from the 16th century onwards. A bridge was forged between the church and the tower, enabling defenders to access the tower from within the church. Here, they could engage attackers who had managed to breach the ramparts, an ingenious arrangement that turned a place of worship into a fortress of protection.

But the Blade Gate's history extends beyond its defensive role. A water pipe, laid in 1594, brought life-giving water to the town's fountains, enriching its infrastructure and enhancing the daily lives of its inhabitants. At the core of this endeavor was the installation of a copper vessel within the water tower of the Klingen Gate, reflecting the union of utility and architectural brilliance.

The name Blade Gate" carries its own story, deeply rooted in the town's landscape. Derived from the steep ravine that adorns the valley, this gate found itself enigmatically dubbed "blade" by generations of locals. This etymological connection to the topography encapsulates the gate's essence, infusing it with an authentic touch of history and local lore.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rothenburg. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Klingentor (Blade Gate) on Map

Sight Name: Klingentor (Blade Gate)
Sight Location: Rothenburg, Germany (See walking tours in Rothenburg)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Rothenburg, Germany

Create Your Own Walk in Rothenburg

Create Your Own Walk in Rothenburg

Creating your own self-guided walk in Rothenburg is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Old Town Gates and Towers Walking Tour

Old Town Gates and Towers Walking Tour

The impressive walls surrounding the charming medieval town of Rothenburg showcase a series of distinct gates and towers, each with its unique story and significance.

These fortifications were built in the 14th century to protect the town from outside threats and today serve as one of its most iconic landmarks. Stretching for approximately four kilometers, the stone walls have been carefully...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Rothenburg Introduction Walking Tour

Rothenburg Introduction Walking Tour

Picturesquely positioned on the steep banks of the River Tauber, the Bavarian town of Rothenburg offers a glimpse into Germany's medieval past.

The town's full name – Rothenburg ob der Tauber – translates to “Red castle above the Tauber”. This moniker stems from the German words “rot” (which means red) and “burg” (castle) and refers to its location (on an elevated...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles