The decorative upper gate in Römerstraße, which offers visitors to Obernburg's old town an impressive view coming from the south, is the only one of the original three gate towers that has been preserved in its original form after some renovation work (including in 1976 by the fruit and gardening association).

The 3.65 m wide opening used today as a passage could previously be closed with a massive gate and also with a portcullis. Seven guide claws of the portcullis are still preserved on the outer wall.

Inside the tower you can see a wooden beam that served as a bearing for the lifting mechanism of the portcullis. At the top of the passage vault you can see the opening from which attackers could be doused with hot liquids.

When it got dark, the gate was closed and later returnees or visitors could only be let in through the small gate next to it on the Main side by the controlling city soldiers, who also levied the pavement toll.

Access to the inside of the tower was from the city wall until the end of the 18th century. The 24-step stone staircase on the west side only became necessary when it was demolished.

The distinctive slate-covered tower dome with the hipped gable roof, the octagonal lantern on which the clock is attached today (hence the upper gate is also called the clock tower) and the dome-like dome was erected in 1586.

The tower is crowned by a gilded double-headed eagle.

A large gold-plated dial shows the time in and out of town.

A mechanical movement was installed in the clock tower. The mechanical clockworks invented in the 13th century, which are driven by weights, enabled a hitherto unknown exact time measurement with their ingenious gear systems and hands. Coupled with bells, they signaled everyone in the field and in town what hour it was.

Translated by Google •

Nico

February 10, 2025

The first gatehouse into the city from the direction of Miltenberg… and it gets tight at the entrance

Translated by Google •

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Location: Obernburg am Main, Miltenberg, Lower Franconia, Bavaria, Germany

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