Schrotturm (Tower)

The Schrotturm has characterised the face of the southern Old Town for nearly four hundred years. Erected by Balthasar Rüffer III as the stairwell tower of a Renaissance house (1611–1614).

At that time, demarcation to the surrounding countryside characterised by Catholic influence, the triple cupola dome referred to the political and religious independence of the Free Imperial City. In the 19th century the tower served the production of buckshot, and thereby not only received its name, but also five additional floors. It was completely restored during the course of the Old Town redevelopment in the years 1988-1990. Since then, the Schrotturm is once again a worthwhile visual attraction and is at the same time a picturesque gem with its environs in the middle of the town centre.