Gefängnisturm Unkel

"... The prison tower was built as a round tower when the Unkel fortifications were built around 1553 and was given the baroque dome around 1700. The prison was located in the vaulted cellar. This is where the young Ludwig van Beethoven is said to have woken up after a heavy night. ..."
romantischer-rhein.de/a-gefaengnisturm

The basic shape of the prison tower dates from 1533. It is part of the city fortifications of Unkel. The prison is in the basement. Beethoven is said to have slept off his intoxication there. If you look at the facade, the flood marks suddenly make you think of climate change. We were last there at the end of April 2020, in the "most summery" low water. In May 1983 we would have been drowned at this point ...
Good luck for!

Visit possible by appointment

History to touch. The tower was built around 1533 as part of the Unkeler fortification.

old prison tower on the city wall with the last highs of the water level in recent years.

old building with signs of water levels, was used as a prison.

A very old prison tower with stone markings from the respective high water level with the year directly on the paved Rhine promenade, which is planted with a tree-lined avenue

old prison tower, the water levels of the past years are noted on the wall!

Is there anyone else locked up there?

Numerous buildings that characterize Unkel to this day date back to the time in Cologne. This is how the city fortifications came about in 1553, the strongest wall of which stood on the Rhine side. The wall was protected by the prison tower and the tower of the Fronhof. Although both are preserved today, they have undergone major changes over the centuries. The tower of the Fronhof was completely rebuilt in 1803 in the neo-Gothic style, the prison tower received a new roof in the baroque style around 1700.

Unfortunately, it can only be visited for a short time on a few Sundays a year

The old prison tower is located directly on the Rhine below the old town. The high water marks are also attached to the tower.

The old prison tower in Unkel is located directly on the Rhine