Herrieder Tor (Ansbach)

Herrieder Tor, a magnificent city gate and an iconic monument of the Middle Franconian city of Ansbach, stands proudly on the southern side of the old town. Named after the small town of Herrieden, located about ten kilometers southwest of Ansbach, this historical structure is a testament to the city's rich heritage and architectural evolution.

The Historical Significance of Herrieder Tor

Herrieder Tor is one of the five original city gates of Ansbach, alongside Nürnberger Tor, Würzburger Tor, Neues Tor, and Schlosstor. It contains some of the oldest existing fortifications in the city. The lower part of the gate dates back to the 15th century, with the first mention of its predecessor in 1374. Originally, the city wall extended further north, and the gate was positioned near the former Löwenapotheke. During the city expansion under Margrave Albrecht Achilles in the 15th century, the city wall and gate were moved south to their current location.

The Baroque Reconstruction

The transformation of Herrieder Tor into its current form began in 1684/85 when Georg Andreas Böckler, under the rule of Margrave Johann Friedrich, first raised the tower in an octagonal shape. The gate tower, as we see it today, was constructed between 1750 and 1751 by the margravial building inspector Johann David Steingruber, commissioned by Karl Wilhelm Friedrich of Brandenburg-Ansbach. This baroque reconstruction was built on the foundation of the previous structure.

In 1987, the Ansbach Lions Club donated a carillon, which was installed on the north side of the tower. Since then, the melody of the Hohenfriedberger March, which begins with the words Auf Ansbach-Dragoner! Auf Ansbach-Bayreuth! has been played daily at 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

Modern-Day Usage

Since 2003, the tower building has housed the office and exhibition space of the Kunstverein Ansbach e.V. Additionally, since 2008, the Ansbach branch of the Frankenbund has been located here, organizing lectures and maintaining the Edmund-Zöller-Archiv for the collection and archiving of local historical documents and images. On the Day of the Open Monument, the tower is open to visitors. During the Green Night, when many of Ansbach's landmarks and monuments are illuminated, Herrieder Tor also features a light installation.

Architectural Description

The original gate structure was much lower, as can be seen from the remaining defensive passage to the east of the gate. This passage, along with the square base structure and the inner pointed arch, still exists. The baroque octagonal tower is built on top of the Gothic base structure and features a bulging roof with a lantern (known as a Welsche Haube) and four clock faces. It also has rusticated pilasters and stucco decorations, as well as a gate porch with a triangular pediment. The inscription plaque above the arch on the north facade dates back to 1684/85 and commemorates the construction work by Georg Andreas Böckler. Below this marble plaque is the so-called Niefer coat of arms with the name Johann Herman Niefer in the top bar. The keystone of the arch features the Ansbach coat of arms, albeit without the fish, as a relief.

The 47-meter-high gate tower is flanked by two rounded corner pavilions. These are two-story buildings with mansard roofs, rusticated pilasters, and stucco decorations, built under Leopoldo Retti and Johann David Steingruber in 1733/34. On the southern gate square, where Promenade and Maximilianstraße meet, stands the so-called Tulip Fountain. This bronze fountain, designed by sculptor Josef Gollwitzer in 1979, is shaped like a tulip blossom, referencing the poet August Graf von Platen, who was born in Ansbach and was also known as the tulip in the German poet's garden. The fountain received a new foundation during restoration work in 2015.

Visiting Herrieder Tor

Herrieder Tor is not just a historical monument; it is a vibrant part of Ansbach's cultural life. Visitors can explore the exhibitions and archives housed within the tower, attend lectures, and enjoy the carillon's daily performances. The gate's architectural beauty, combined with its historical significance, makes it a must-visit attraction in Ansbach. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply looking to experience the charm of this Bavarian city, Herrieder Tor offers a unique glimpse into the past and present of Ansbach.