Schelztor Tower (Esslingen am Neckar)

Schelztorturm, Schelztorstraße 2, Esslingen am Neckar
The rectangular gate tower from the 13th century was originally part of the city fortifications. A ring of walls, towers and gates has protected the citizens of Esslingen since the Staufer period. In the 19th century, the old fortifications were in the way of the growing city. A large part of them was therefore demolished; since then the gate has stood free in the city space.
Today the Schelztorturm is one of a total of three remaining gate towers in Esslingen and is one of the city's most famous sights. The name Schelztorturm goes back to a family of Schelz who ran a farm near the tower.
The shop built into the gate now houses an ice cream parlor. A half-timbered wall was created on the city side. In the 1980s, the artist Hubert von der Goltz created the sculpture "...arrived", which seems to float above the tower. A playful accent that is in complete contrast to the still heavy, massive tower. It is definitely worth spending a while on the square in front of the Schelztorturm and letting your gaze wander upwards.
The Schelztorturm is close to the Roßneckarkanal, so you can set off from here for a relaxing walk along the water.
Text / Source: Esslinger Stadtmarketing & Tourismus GmbH, Marktplatz 16, Esslingen am Neckar
esslingen-info.com/attraktion/schelztorturm-9786e53643

It is believed that the tower was built in the 13th century. It got its name from the Schelch family, who owned a farm nearby. At that time the tower was part of the city fortifications. At this time, the Schelztor marked the northwest corner and served to protect the walled Pliensauvorstadt. Many, many years later, the Schelztor still remained as the city's tower.
But in addition to the long time that the tower has adorned Esslingen, the Schelztor Tower has been delighting visitors for over 20 years with another eye-catcher - the plastic "Skywalker" that balances on a steel girder above the tower.
An installation artist and sculptor named Hubert van Goltz attached the artistic eye-catcher to the Schelztor tower in 1989.

The Schelztor was part of the fortifications built to protect the Pliensauvorstadt and probably dates back to the late 13th century.