Ravensburg - Obertor - Medieval Gateway at the End of the Old Town Street

The imposing Obertor stands at the end of a historic Ravensburg street, its tall medieval gate tower framed by colourful old-town houses.

The Obertor is probably the oldest surviving city gate of Ravensburg and remains one of the most striking landmarks of the historic old town. In this photograph, the tall pale gate tower rises directly at the end of the street, framed on both sides by traditional houses and creating a strong architectural focal point. The Obertor marked the historic route leading from Ravensburg toward Wangen and formed part of the medieval city fortifications. The tower was renewed in 1431/32, although its origins may reach back to the Hohenstaufen period, and it underwent further rebuilding in the late 15th century. Until the 19th century, the eastern approach was additionally protected by a bridge over the city moat and an outer gate. The approximately 42-metre-high tower also contains the so-called Armsünderglöcklein, a small bell that was once rung during executions. Today, the Obertor remains an impressive reminder of Ravensburg’s fortified medieval past and its long history as a Free Imperial City.