The imposing fortified tower, which was built in the second half of the 15th century, bears the unusual name "Katzenturm". It is the only one of the three former defense towers embedded in the city wall that has been preserved.
The Katzenturm was once part of an "early warning system". It stood at the highest point of the city fortifications. From here, it was possible to get an excellent view of the area in front of the city wall and, for example, spot approaching troops in good time. There was also a line of sight from the tower to the "Stumpfen Turm" tower on Alte Vlothoer Straße, about two kilometers away. Today, the latter presents itself to hikers as a picturesque tower ruin, which can easily be overlooked in the dense deciduous forest.
The name "Katzenturm" (cat tower) has nothing to do with our pet. The name is most likely derived from the Middle High German word "Katte", which means nothing other than hill. The name of the tower therefore gives us a clue to its former function.
At times, the Katzenturm was also known as the "Diebesturm" (thieves' tower) because small-time crooks and thieves had to serve their sentences here in a holding cell. The door to the former "gloomy chamber" is at ground level facing Turmstraße.
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