Town Fortification Magdeburg-Kiek in de Köken

In 1431, the Kiek in de Köken tower was erected when Magdeburg's citizens, against the will of the archbishop, reinforced the city's fortifications. This was done out of fear of attacks by rebellious Hussites. The construction was part of a series of defensive towers built along the Elbe. A conflict with the archbishop over these towers, located near his palace, escalated between 1432 and 1435, partly with armed force, forcing Archbishop Günther to flee. A settlement reached in 1435 allowed the towers to remain, but granted the archbishop co-ownership rights. The tower, originally with a square footprint of 7x7 meters and massive walls, once featured tall Gothic spires. It served as a prison tower in the 18th century and became known as Turm Bevern in the 19th century.