Discover history: The Red Tower
The Red Tower is the oldest building in the original city centre of Chemnitz. It is mentioned as early as 1466. However, there is some evidence to suggest that it is much older. Archaeological investigations have shown that the tower was not integrated into the city wall from the outset and probably existed before it was built. It is possible to recognise the remains of a 12th century keep in the Red Tower, which monitored early market traffic in the Chemnitz floodplain. It could have served as the residential tower of a bailiff appointed by the emperor.
The warm red colour of the Chemnitz porphyry tuff may have given it its name. However, "red towers" appear in numerous German cities and are often associated with jurisdiction. However, its use as a prison can only be traced back to the 16th century. In 1570, there were 13 cells for 19 prisoners. It was also used as a prison when the city wall was demolished around 1840. It stood in contrast to the building of the Chemnitz Casino Society opposite, a fashionable house with a tree-filled garden that was ideal for a stroll. By the time the city centre was destroyed in 1945, the Red Tower had been completely rebuilt, played virtually no role in the cityscape and was only visible from a few points.
It was completely burnt out in 1945 and was given a temporary roof five years later. The tower was finally restored in the 1950s. The Café Roter Turm, an adjoining low-rise building that opened on 14 February 1959 and also housed an exhibition on the construction of the city centre, became a popular meeting place. The tower has also played an important role in industrial design to this day and was the inspiration for bottle shapes ranging from dishwashing detergent to spirits. The old defence tower was extensively renovated after 1990 and is open on request.