Medieval Gates of Wangen

Wangen is a medieval town surrounded by ramparts extending over 1,000 meters. Three historic gates still provide access to the town today. The Niedertor, or Niedertorturm, nicknamed the "lower gate," is the best preserved. Its foundations date back to the 13th century, and it was classified as a historic monument in 1931. Built of sandstone, this gate houses a room on the first level that once served as a dungeon. The second gate, the Sommertor (also called Sondertor or Sundertor), features Renaissance-style gunports shaped like eyes, as well as 13th-century architectural elements under its porch. A Gothic window was added in the 14th century. Until 2000, the Sommertor housed the Catholic presbytery. The third gate, the Motscheltor, was unfortunately destroyed in 1887. It once led to the surrounding vineyards, of which only a vintner's bench remains today.