Hiking Highlight
The ox tower was built in 1356 and is part of the northern medieval city wall of Oberwesel.
June 2, 2020
On the Rhine side, the city fortifications of the northern suburb were secured by two round towers, the Katzenturm and the larger tower, the Ochsenturm.
Originally there was only a small tower at the place where the ox tower stands today. The reason for this is that at that time there was no road between Oberwesel and St. Goar that the enemy could use. Mainly for representative reasons, however, the old small tower was quickly replaced by the imposing ox tower. Based on a dendrochronological dating of a ceiling beam, the construction time can be set at 1356.
With a diameter of almost 12 meters, a wall thickness of 2.75 meters and a height of over 40 meters, the Ochsenturm is one of the strongest city towers on the Rhine and thus demonstrates the power of the city of Oberwesel. This type of tower is the so-called butter barrel tower, which the Hessian Count von Katzenelnbogen brought to the Rhine. With its many decorative elements, this tower was primarily regarded as a prestige object, even if it represents the northern corner bastion at which the curtain wall turns to the west and thus also plays an important role in terms of defense.
Source:
kuladig.de/Objektansicht/KLD-256278
November 2, 2021
The ox tower stands like an exclamation mark at the northern end of the city wall. Like no other tower, it shows the power and self-confidence of the medieval city of Oberwesel.
June 21, 2020
A small tour of the town is always worthwhile. There are also beautiful houses to see ...
June 6, 2020
In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!
Our Tour recommendations are based on thousands of activities completed by other people on komoot.