Würzburger Tor (Wurzburg Gate), Miltenberg

The Wurzburger Gate is one of the first historic monuments many visitors encounter. Dating back to at least 1379, this late-medieval gate tower has witnessed centuries of change in Miltenberg-from ramparts and town defences to the bustle of tourism today.

Originally, the tower served a defensive function. It was built with a gun platform and crenellated battlements because the eastern side was considered especially vulnerable to attack. Over time, as military threats receded and the character of city gates changed, parts of that defensive structure were altered: by the early 15th century the battlements were removed and the tower was roofed over.

Architecturally, it shows many of the features typical of medieval gate towers. Look out for the remnants of the portcullis mechanism-stone slots both inside and outside the gate through which a draw-gate would once have slid up and down. Also notice the mix of simple defensive architecture with later modifications that make the gate more decorative.