Esslingen Burg (Castle)

In spite of its name, the "Burg" was never the seat of a noble family. It was the citizens who, when constructing their town fortification, built part of the wall up the hillside – and therefore prevented a possible enemy from taking advantage of the favourable attacking position. The "Hochwacht" (High Watch Tower) (left) originates from the beginning of the 14th century. In the 16th century, the new firearms necessitated the construction of the mighty "Dicker Turm" (Big Tower). From then on, cannonry threatened possible enemies from behind more than 5 metre-thick walls.