Zwinger, Munster
The Zwinger (literally “Kennel” in German) is a former defensive tower in Münster, dating back to the Early modern period. The estimated time of its construction (given the lack of clear evidence) ranges roughly between 1528 and 1535. At the original height of 8.75 meters, with 24.3 meters in diameter and an outer wall thickness of about 1.95 meters, this tower was one of the strongest elements of the old fortification system, once respectfully referred to as Dat grote Bollwerk (“that Big Bulwark”).
Starting from 1619, there were plans to turn it into a prison, however, this was not implemented until more than 100 years later. Meanwhile, a horse mill for grinding black powder was set up here, in 1635. According to historical records, it was only in 1732 that the Zwinger was used as a penitentiary facility – a remand prison.
The tower received a monument status in 1900. During the Nazi era, it first housed a cultural center for the Münster branch of the Hitler-Jugend (Hitler Youth) organization, and then, from 1944, was used as a Gestapo detention center. During that period, Soviet forced laborers and prisoners of war were executed here routinely, inside the inner courtyard. In the spring of 1945, the building was partially destroyed by Allied bombing, with only a few parts of the original structure surviving.
After the war, the tower fell into disrepair. Fortunately, in 1987, it was saved from ruin thanks to the sculptural installation project – “The Contrasting Concert” – by Rebecca Horn, which brought the Zwinger into the public spotlight and accelerated its recovery. In 1989, the project was made a permanent memorial, under the auspices of the Stadtmuseum Münster (Münster City Museum), set to commemorate the victims who died at the Zwinger during the Nazi regime.
The tower is now open to the public, from April to October, with a guided tour offered on the first Sunday of each month. Additionally, it can be visited every third Thursday of the month, at 8 pm. Also, from June to September, the place is open for viewing every Sunday between 2 pm and 6 pm.
Starting from 1619, there were plans to turn it into a prison, however, this was not implemented until more than 100 years later. Meanwhile, a horse mill for grinding black powder was set up here, in 1635. According to historical records, it was only in 1732 that the Zwinger was used as a penitentiary facility – a remand prison.
The tower received a monument status in 1900. During the Nazi era, it first housed a cultural center for the Münster branch of the Hitler-Jugend (Hitler Youth) organization, and then, from 1944, was used as a Gestapo detention center. During that period, Soviet forced laborers and prisoners of war were executed here routinely, inside the inner courtyard. In the spring of 1945, the building was partially destroyed by Allied bombing, with only a few parts of the original structure surviving.
After the war, the tower fell into disrepair. Fortunately, in 1987, it was saved from ruin thanks to the sculptural installation project – “The Contrasting Concert” – by Rebecca Horn, which brought the Zwinger into the public spotlight and accelerated its recovery. In 1989, the project was made a permanent memorial, under the auspices of the Stadtmuseum Münster (Münster City Museum), set to commemorate the victims who died at the Zwinger during the Nazi regime.
The tower is now open to the public, from April to October, with a guided tour offered on the first Sunday of each month. Additionally, it can be visited every third Thursday of the month, at 8 pm. Also, from June to September, the place is open for viewing every Sunday between 2 pm and 6 pm.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Munster. 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.
Zwinger on Map
Sight Name: Zwinger
Sight Location: Munster, Germany (See walking tours in Munster)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Munster, Germany (See walking tours in Munster)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Munster, Germany
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
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Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
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Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
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The reconstruction of the local Old Town,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles