Viking Cruise #28: Breisach: Climb to the "Upper Town," Hagenbachturm & Gutgesellentor

Today's blog returns to Breisach, and our journey to the "Upper Town" where the Cathedral is located. However, you'll have to wait another day for the Cathedral as we'll show you things along the climb. You'll learn about Hagenbachturm and Gutgesellentor, two words we wish you luck pronouncing! 

(Photo: Rob and Tom before the climb to the "Upper Town" as seen with the church in the background. Credit: R.G.)

THE PRISON HAGENBACHTURM -  On the way up to the Upper town, we walked past the  “Hagenbachturm” (Hagenbach Tower), first mentioned in 1319. Prison for citizens, in which the Governor, Peter of Hagenbach from Burgundy, was imprisoned in 1474 before his execution for murder, breach of oath and rape.

GUTGESELLENTOR - “Gutgesellentor” (The Gutgesell Gate) was first mentioned in 1319. The current building is from 1402.  On April 25, 1415,  Pope Johannes XXIII was arrested here while escaping from the Council of Constance. Since 1936, it has been a meeting place for the Narrenzunft (the carnival association). 

This gate was rebuilt after its destruction during World War II. Its reconstruction happened between 1950 and 1956.  

For more information visit: www.narrenzunft-breisach.de (German)

NEXT - THE CHURCH IN THE UPPER TOWN, AND COOL VIEWS

(Photo below: Gutgesellentor” (The Gutgesell Gate) Credit: R.G.)