Klosterrather Hof Torbau

The Klosterrather Hof in Aachen was originally the town house of Klosterrath Abbey and grew into a significant complex in the 18th century under the Baroque architect Joseph Moretti. After secularization, Napoleon took over the estate in 1804 and sold it to the needle manufacturer Laurenz Jecker, who set up a modern production facility there. Later, the Migeon and Schervier families acquired shares in the property, which also served as a residence, including for Franziska Schervier, the founder of a religious order. After industrial activity moved to other parts of the city and the site was destroyed in World War II, most of the buildings were demolished. Today the land belongs to RWTH Aachen University, which built a lecture hall complex on it. The only historic element to survive is the gateway arch from 1786, which is now integrated into the open spaces. Among students, the gate is known for a local legend about bad luck and dropping out of school, which is why many deliberately walk around it.