City Wall Aachen-Marienturm

The Marienturm, also known as Marienburg, is a defensive tower of Aachen's former outer city fortifications. It is one of the surviving remnants of the medieval city wall and is now a protected monument.

Aachen's outer city wall was constructed between 1300 and 1350. The Marienturm itself was built in 1512. Its name derives from August 14, 1512, the eve of the Assumption of Mary, when its foundation stone was laid. Previously, the site was occupied by the Breuerturm, a tall watchtower used to defend against attackers from the Lousberg. With the advent of cannons, a lower, more stable construction became necessary. The citizens of Aachen therefore decided to demolish the Breuerturm and replace it with the Marienturm.