The Spalentor, one of the most beautiful city gates in Switzerland, was erected in the late 14th century at the time that the Spalenvorstadt was walled for protection. Since the rest of the fortifications were torn down in the 19th century, the gate has stood alone.
... The lower front of the gate contains a multitude of witty sculptures and was built by Jakob Sarbach in 1473-1474. The originals of all the figures are in the Historical Museum; the copies were created ... circa 1893. The front of the gate formerly held a draw bridge, which in case of war could be pulled higher, but otherwise led over the moat.
Well preserved Fachwerk houses stand on the Spalengraben, which leads back to Petersplatz. On the nearby Spalentorweg 2 and Schützengraben 45 lived Friedrich Nietzsche.
For a map to the Spalentor, click here
