There are quite a number of rotated towers in the German-speaking area, but none whose rotation has such harmonious lines as the Duderstadt Westerturm. A well-known architect tried in 1948 to discover the cause of the strange rotation.
He spoke of the "superior virtuosity and the refinement of the craftsmanship of the medieval builders" and concluded with the statement: "This tower is obviously intended".
A year later, another architect, who climbed into the tower, discovered after a detailed investigation: The strange change in shape is the result of a construction error, which is essentially due to the fact that the rafters are secured against bending inwards, but not to the side was. The swords and the usual St. Andrew's crosses are missing. In addition, the so-called Kaiserstiel is not continuous.
The tower, already mentioned in 1343, burned down to the brickwork in 1424. The reconstruction took 12 years.
The vernacular attributes the rotation of the spire to the non-oiled weather vane or the devil who seduced the men to drink.
While fleeing from the Duderstadt women, he wanted to cling to the tower knob and swung the tip around before he could
finally disappeared over the wall. Westerturm Ensemble - Will be displayed in a new window.
Today, 500 years after its completion, the West Tower can even be visited. So if you would like to find out more about this very special Duderstadt landmark, just click on the little tower drawing.
Source (Duderstadt.de)