Obertor Meersburg

Part of the medieval city fortification - upper access to the historic old town. Right next to it is the Gasthof zum Bären - one of the city's oldest "drinking taverns" - once used as a post office by Thurn und Taxis.

The Obertor in Meersburg was built around 1300 as part of the city's expansion. It was located on the trade route running in the direction of Ravensburg. In the Middle Ages, travelers had to pay tolls and gate fees at all gates in Meersburg. There was originally a bridge house in front of the upper gate, but it was demolished in 1838. There is also historical evidence that a city clock was attached to the building in the 15th century. At that time, many cities had their own clocks for the purpose of measuring working hours. Comprehensive renovations at Meersburger Obertor took place in 1902.

The Obertor was built in the course of the city expansion around 1300 on the trade route towards Ravensburg. In the Middle Ages, the Meersburgers guarded their city gates very closely. Every traveler had to be checked, and road tolls and gate money were collected at all gates. In front of the gate was a bridge house that was demolished in 1838. In 1902 the Obertor was partly renewed. - It is interesting from a socio-historical point of view that there was evidence of a city clock at the Obertor in 1477. Many cities had their own clocks since the 14th century, as the differentiated urban economy, in contrast to agriculture, required more precise (work) time measurement. The clock testified to an increased bourgeois self-confidence, since the church no longer determined the daily schedule. It may therefore not be a coincidence that the first public Meersburg clock was documented only a short time after the battles against the city's spiritual lords.