Chemnitz Towers: The Red Tower
Location: City centre, Straße der Nationen
Construction period: 12th century, c. 1500, c. 1555 (dome)
Nowadays, the ‘Red Tower’ is primarily associated with the shopping centre in the city centre. The tower that actually gave the area its name seems almost sidelined next to the shopping centre. The situation was quite different, however, in the medieval townscape, where the Red Tower occupied a dominant position. Architectural studies suggest it was built in the 12th century. The tower was probably part of an early urban fortification and served as the bailiff’s official residence. It is possible that the masonry, made of porphyry tuff, was plastered and painted red. This could explain the name still in use today. However, the colour ‘red’ also played a role in the extension carried out at the end of the 15th century, when the upper storey, built of brick, was added. With the addition of the curved spire at a later date, the Red Tower had essentially taken on its present form by the mid-16th century.
The Red Tower was used as a municipal prison for many centuries. This continued use ultimately ensured the building’s survival, for unlike the other towers and gates of the city wall, it was not demolished during the 19th century. Along with the adjacent buildings, the Red Tower also fell victim to destruction on 5 March 1945. After the ruins were cleared away, it stood alone for many years on the cleared wasteland. From 1950 onwards, a temporary roof protected the structure. Under the direction of the architect Georg Laudeley, the building was reconstructed by 1958, with the spire also being rebuilt in its original form. A small museum moved into the tower, which – like the adjoining ‘Roter Turm’ café – enjoyed great popularity.