The only access to the Königstein Fortress is secured by four gates:
Rothe Brücke, Torravelin, Medusentor and the gatehouse.
The Rothe Brücke building from 1792.
Named after the brickwork; first defensive structure on the way to the fortress; built in 1792 as a simple wooden bridge (was demolished in the event of war); from 1886 a seesaw bridge that can still be folded up in seconds today
The Torravelin building from 1729-36
Built in 1729-36; casemated gatework to defend the entrance; location of the gate guard
The Grabenschere building from 1733 with the Medusentor.
The building served as a third barrier to protect the entrance. The name "Grabenschere" refers to the scissor-like shape. The mighty gate is impressive. It is called "Medusentor" after the Medusa's head depicted in the keystone. The Medusa on the gate was used to deter enemies. A coat of arms of the Elector of Saxony and the Royal Polish crowns the gate. It dates from the time when the Saxon Electors were also Kings of Poland (1697 – 1706 and 1709 – 1763).
The gatehouse building from 1589
Built above the Dark Appareille (French for ramp; entrance to the plateau); cellar with loopholes for defense; upper floors used for residential purposes; defense systems in the Dark Appareille: wooden gate, stone thrower, machicolation, beam folds, drop palisade, iron gate and caponnière passage (defensive passage).
It was built at the end of the 16th century above a natural crevice in the rock. The only way to the fortress plateau leads under the gatehouse and is called the "Dark Appareille". The relief of Augustus the Strong (1670-1733) was created by the Königstein-born sculptor Otto Panzner in 1910.