The Schlossturm (Palace Tower)

Schlossturm (c) Melanie Schillinger

Ein hoher, zylindrischer Steinturm, der so genannte Nachtwächter, steht zwischen zwei Gebäuden unter einem teilweise bewölkten Himmel, wobei das Sonnenlicht von hinten durch die Bogenfenster des Turms scheint.

The octagonal bell tower of the Catholic Schlosskirche, known to everyone as the “Schlossturm”, has long been one of Bayreuth's landmarks.

Table of contents

A few words on its history

View through a paned window of a European city with red-tiled roofs, historic buildings and a church with two towers under a partly cloudy sky.
View of the city from one of the Schlossturm windows

It was probably built in 1565 – 1567 on even older foundations, commissioned by the then Margrave Georg Friedrich. The plans were drawn up by the master builder Caspar Vischer, who was also involved in building the Plassenburg in Kulmbach. Construction of the Schlossturm in Bayreuth was supervised by Georg Matthes, Caspar Vischer’s son-in-law.

Altered several times over the course of its history, the tower has been a bell tower since 1812, as the tower keeper’s little room on top also testifies. It only became the church tower of the adjoining Schlosskirche in 1960, and it has borne the gilded cross pattée, visible from far and wide, since 1964.

What makes the tower special: inside, not only a narrow spiral staircase leads to the top, but in addition also a wide, almost step-free ramp. An interesting fact: leading experts on staircases have linked the tower’s structural design to the famous concept sketch by Leonardo da Vinci bearing the note LUMACHE (snails).

In the time of the margraves, the granary was once housed under the roof of the tower. Farmers liable to pay taxes could drive their dues in the form of grain up the ramp just mentioned, while people on foot used the stairs – so nobody got in anyone else’s way.

Today the tower is also popular for its beautiful view over the city centre. As a rule, however, it can only be climbed as part of public guided city tours and during special events.

Please note: the tower is not barrier-free. Unfortunately, dogs may not be taken up the tower.

Ein steinerner Korridor im Schlossturm mit einigen Stufen und einer schrägen Rampe führt zu einem Fenster. Die gewölbte Decke weist rote Rippen auf, während das Sonnenlicht durch das Fenster strömt und die weiß verputzten Wände erhellt.
Die sonnenbeschienene, steinerne Wendelrampe im weiß getäfelten Innenraum des Schlossturms mit einem Handlauf auf der rechten Seite und einem Gewölbe mit rosa Bögen führt zu einem hellen Fenster.
Eine Gedenktafel mit dem Reliefporträt eines Mannes, der Abbildung eines Schlossturms und einem deutschen Text, der die Geschichte und Architektur des Schlosses beschreibt und sich auf Martin Luther bezieht.

Book public tours

The following city tours include the climb up the tower, from which you have a wonderful panoramic view over the city and its surroundings.

Book a private city tour for your own group

On request, the Schlossturm can also be included in a privately booked city tour. This is possible for the following tours: Historic City Tour, Christmas City Tour, Night Watchman Tour of the city centre and Children’s Tour. Please mention that you would like to climb the Schlossturm directly in the comments field of your enquiry.

Enquire about a group tour