Weitensfelder Tor (Weitensfelder Fortified Gate)
Nickname
The Weitensfelder Tor was fondly known as Türlein.
History
The Weitensfelder Tor was first mentioned in documents in 1284 and was one of four town gates.
Location
Positioned in the north-western section of the town wall, it provided access to the Weitensfelder Vorstadt area.
Architecture & Features
(Based on two Copperplate Engravings, dated 1649 and 1688)
A copperplate engraving dated 1649 shows that the Weitensfelder fortified gate lacked a gate tower.
At that time, it featured:
– a barbican built into the north-western zwinger wall
– a fortified opening in the curtain wall, located behind the barbican
– a passage connecting the barbican with the opening in the curtain wall
The fortified gate was protected by a wide moat (20-25 metres), traces of which were still visible as late as the mid-18th century.
Additional protection was provided by a turret positioned on the curtain wall next to the gate complex.
Another copperplate engraving, dated 1688, shows the presence of a gate tower. This tower was added in the late 17th century during extensive reinforcement of the town’s defences.
Demolition
The Weitensfelder Tor was demolished in 1866 as part of the town’s expansion plans.
Demolition of the Four Town Gates
All four medieval town gates were demolished in the 19th century:
- Klagenfurter Tor – demolished in 1851
- Weitensfelder Tor – demolished in 1866
- Friesacher Tor – demolished in 1869
- Villacher Tor – demolished in 1890
Memorial
A small memorial marks the former site of the demolished Weitensfelder Tor.
Inscription on the Stone Slab
The Weitensfelder Gate (Mühlbacher Gate), located on the northern city wall, was the smallest of the city gates and was therefore also called the “Little Gate”. It did not have a gate tower, but was secured by a strong outer tower situated beyond the town’s ditch.
Cardinal Directions of the Four Fortified Gates
The Friesacher Tor was aligned towards the north-east (NE).
The Klagenfurter Tor was aligned towards the south-east (SE).
The Villacher Tor was aligned towards the south-west (SW).
The Weitensfelder Tor was aligned towards the north-west (NW).
