Tylenturm

Situated in the picturesque town of Korbach in Hessen, Germany, the Tylenturm stands as a proud sentinel of history and a remarkable architectural feat. This medieval tower, dating back to the late 13th or early 14th century, is one of Korbach’s oldest and most iconic structures, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the past and a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.

The History of Tylenturm

The Tylenturm, also known as Thylenturm or Thülenturm, derives its name from the noble family von Thülen, who hailed from the eponymous Thülen near Brilon in Westphalia. This family established a fortified estate near the tower in Korbach by the 14th century and remained influential in the town until the early 16th century.

The tower itself is an integral part of the town's fortifications, which began construction in the mid-13th century. Its robust masonry, semicircular base, and interior accessible only from the wall suggest that the Tylenturm was constructed during this period. Documented evidence of the tower’s existence dates back to the early 14th century, making it older than Korbach's two Gothic hall churches, St. Kilian and St. Nikolai.

Surviving Through the Ages

Remarkably, the Tylenturm has withstood the ravages of time, including the destructive Thirty Years' War and a devastating city fire in 1664. In 1733, the tower's ground floor was converted into a dungeon for condemned prisoners, adding a grim chapter to its history. By the 19th century, the tower had fallen into disrepair, but it was restored around 1900.

During World War II, the ground floor was repurposed as an air raid shelter, and later as a storage room. A major restoration in 1996, coinciding with the Hessentag festival in Korbach the following year, saw the Tylenturm and the adjacent city wall undergo significant renovations. The parapet walk was reconstructed, and a stairway was installed inside the tower, allowing visitors to ascend and enjoy its panoramic views. Additionally, a new spire was added to the tower's crown.

Architectural Marvel

The Tylenturm’s design is both functional and formidable. The semicircular base faces outward from the city wall, while the tower itself rises to a height of approximately 31 meters, encompassing six floors, including an observation platform beneath the spire. The walls, constructed from massive limestone blocks with thick mortar joints, are over a meter thick at the base.

The ground floor, originally accessible only by ladder from a high entry point on the city side, features a barrel vault and served as a dungeon in the past. An entrance at ground level was added during World War II for its use as an air raid shelter. The second floor, situated about 7.5 meters high, can be accessed from the parapet walk on either side of the tower through arched openings with barred doors.

The second and third floors each have a large pointed arch opening on the city side, while the fourth and fifth floors feature numerous arrow slits on both the outer and city sides. The observation platform, located about 25 meters up, is topped with a slate-covered spire. To enhance the viewing experience, a wooden platform extends from the southwest side of the observation deck, offering a vantage point that reaches beyond the massive outer wall.

Visiting the Tylenturm

Climbing the Tylenturm is an adventure in itself, with 125 steps to conquer, including an external staircase leading to the parapet walk and an internal wooden staircase winding up the tower. The effort is well rewarded with stunning views from the top, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and casual tourists alike.

The tower is located between the street Im Sack and the Totenhagen green space, which is Korbach’s oldest cemetery, established in 1588 outside the city wall and used for burials until 2009. This green belt encircles the old town, providing a serene and scenic backdrop to the historic Tylenturm.

In conclusion, the Tylenturm is not just a historical monument but a testament to Korbach’s rich and tumultuous past. Its walls echo stories of medieval fortifications, noble families, wartime resilience, and modern-day restoration. A visit to this tower offers a unique journey through time, making it an unmissable highlight of any trip to this charming German town.