The Fresco of the Bollwerk Tower

The Bollwerk Tower, built in the 14th century, was part of the old city walls of Mulhouse. In the 19th century, it was nicknamed the Pig Tower due to the nearby slaughterhouse. Classified as a Historic Monument in 1898, it lost its defensive role in 1832 when the fortifications were demolished. Its current spire roof dates from 1892, as do the two passages created in the enclosing wall in 1893. That same year, artist Ferdinand Wagner painted the fresco that now decorates the tower. The imperial eagle carved on its wall recalls that Mulhouse held the status of a Free Imperial City since 1308.