The Rurtor, the so-called Witch's Tower, is one of three or four city gates in the medieval city wall of the city of Jülich. The arrow slits, the portcullis and the door openings to the battlement still indicate the former defensive function. The witch's tower was built at the beginning of the 14th century. The Witch's Tower had many names back then. From “Porta Rurae” (Latin for “Rurtor”), “Rurtor”, “Gefangenenthürn”, “Gefängnußthurm”, “Hessenturm” until the current name “Hexenturm” was used since the 18th century. The latter name came about at the time when the name Hessenturm was used and the building was used as a prison for the main and criminal court of the Duchy of Jülich. It is misleading in that only a few individual cases against so-called witches have been recorded from Jülich.
After Jülich was almost completely destroyed in the Second World War, the first security measures were taken at the Hexenturm in 1949/1952, which was followed by a further restoration phase from 1961 to 1964. The onion domes from the 17th century were also restored true to the original. Flat conical helmets were also discussed for the roof reconstruction, with which the rectangular building on the city side with the pointed tent roof would have towered over the towers.
Witch tower with light installation at night
Since October 29, 2005, the Witch Tower has been illuminated in the evening and, in winter, in the morning with a light installation of 22 lights on both sides through the donation-financed “LIGHT(!) project”. The Witch's Tower forms the beginning of a planned “path of lights” through the city center to the citadel.