Stone Tower

The Steinerne Turm (Stone Tower) in Dortmund is a historic watchtower and protected landmark that was originally part of the medieval defensive barrier, or Landwehr, of the Free Imperial City. Built of Ruhr sandstone, it kept watch over the trade route leading south and stood in the Stadthagen district, just beyond the city proper. Besieged and damaged during the Soest Feud of 1445, the structure was later reinforced at its base with thick brick walls. Of its height of roughly 10 meters (about 33 feet), the lower half is original, while the upper part has been reconstructed. Today the tower stands south of the B1 highway near the Westfalenhallen and serves as a reminder of the city's former military defenses.