Schaibling Tower, Passau

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Schaibling Tower, Passau

Schaibling Tower, Passau

The Schaibling Tower paints a striking picture on the Innkai, the southern shoreline of Passau. Its distinctive round structure topped by a pointed red roof has become a popular snapshot for both locals and tourists alike. Over the years, the tower has performed a plethora of functions, testifying to the area's rich historical tapestry.

Built in 1250, the tower was originally a defense structure. Its snow-white granite walls stood tall on a rock on the banks of the Inn river, serving as a bulwark against potential enemy attacks. Its imposing structure and strategic location on the riverside incorporated it as part of the medieval city fortifications of Passau.

The 15th century saw the tower undergo significant renovations, and it was repurposed as a storage facility. Among the various items stored within its solid walls was powder, a valuable commodity in the era. The thick, granite walls made the tower an ideal storehouse, providing both security and insulation.

During the height of the salt trade, the Schaibling Tower found yet another role as a landing stage for the Inn ships. Its location on the riverfront made it a critical juncture in the trade routes. A cable ferry operated from the tower across the Inn, facilitating the movement of goods and people. This ferry service continued until 1957.

In addition to these public roles, the Schaiblingsturm also served as a residential space. Over the centuries, security guards have made it their home, utilizing its vantage point for monitoring activities in the surrounding area. In a more cultural twist, actors from the local Kammerspiele Passau theater group also resided in the tower, as did editors, adding a touch of artistic flair to its robust history.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Passau. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Schaibling Tower on Map

Sight Name: Schaibling Tower
Sight Location: Passau, Germany (See walking tours in Passau)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Passau, Germany

Create Your Own Walk in Passau

Create Your Own Walk in Passau

Creating your own self-guided walk in Passau is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Passau Introduction Walking Tour

Passau Introduction Walking Tour

A charming German town nestled among the rolling hills of Lower Bavaria “between heaven and three rivers,” Passau is a city of natural beauty and religious pilgrimage.

Founded over 2,000 years ago, this is one of the oldest cities in Bavaria. Its history dates back to Roman times when it was a small colony known as "Batavis." The latter word translates from Latin as "for the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles