Krummturm
Solothurn
The Krummturm is a medieval defensive tower located on the banks of the Aare river in Solothurn, Switzerland. Despite its name suggesting a crooked structure, the tower itself is not bent; rather, its unusual roof appears skewed due to the irregular pentagonal shape of its base. Constructed approximately between 1454 and 1463, it stands as the oldest unchanged building in the city. The tower was built as a fortification in response to threats from Armagnac attacks near Solothurn's territorial borders. Its ground plan covers about 80 square meters with walls varying in thickness from one to two meters, featuring arrow slits for defense. The tower includes a 10-meter deep dungeon in its lowest level and three upper floors connected by wooden staircases. In 1947, the tower was entrusted to the Solothurn Artillery Association to serve as a clubhouse and artillery museum, opening to public visits from 1948 onwards. The Krummturm's distinctive steep pyramidal roof, composed of four uneven triangular sides, gives the tower its iconic crooked appearance, making it a unique architectural landmark in Solothurn.
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Astuce: Visitors should consider exploring the Krummturm during spring and summer months when weather conditions are favorable for walking along the Aare river and enjoying the city's historic old town. While the tower is accessible for visits, checking opening times and availability ahead of time is recommended, especially during special events hosted by the Artillery Association. Group discounts or special admission arrangements may be available, so contacting the local tourist office or the Artillery Association can provide useful information for planning your visit.
Faits intéressants
- •The name 'Krummturm' translates to 'crooked tower,' but the tower itself is not crooked; only its roof appears slanted due to the pentagonal base.
- •The tower's ground plan is an irregular pentagon, a rare shape for medieval fortifications.
- •Its lowest floor houses a 10-meter deep dungeon, which is quadrilateral due to a walled-up corner.
- •The tower was nicknamed 'Kumuff' by contemporaries, reflecting slow construction progress.
- •Since 1947, it has served as a clubhouse and artillery museum for the Solothurn Artillery Association.
Histoire
The Krummturm was likely constructed starting around 1454 and completed by 1462 or 1463, making it the oldest preserved building in Solothurn.
Its construction was motivated by defensive needs due to threats from Armagnac forces near the city border.
Financial constraints and construction difficulties caused delays, earning it the nickname "Kumuff," meaning "hardly begun." In 1947, the tower was assigned to the Artillery Association as a museum and clubhouse, and after renovations, it opened to visitors in 1948 during the association's 75th anniversary.
Guide du lieu
Dungeon (Lowest Floor)15th century
A 10-meter deep quadrilateral dungeon located at the base of the tower, originally used for imprisonment or defense purposes.
Upper Floors15th century
Three upper floors connected by wooden staircases, each varying in height with the second floor being the tallest at 4.6 meters. These floors served various defensive and operational functions.
Distinctive Roof15th century
A steep, pyramidal roof with four uneven triangular sides, giving the tower its characteristic 'crooked' appearance.
Contact
Téléphone: 032 621 56 10