Nabburger Tor

The Nabburger Tor stands at the southern edge of Amberg, a town in Bavaria’s Upper Palatinate region. Built in the 13th century as part of the first city wall, it was later rebuilt in the 14th century with a pointed arch and two round towers. In the 16th century, under Pfalzgraf Johann Casimir, the towers were raised and a trapezoidal barbican added, giving the gate its present Renaissance appearance.

The gate is notable for its mix of medieval and Renaissance features. The lower part is made of rough stone, while the upper sections use dressed sandstone. The inscription “J. C. P. T. &. A.” on the upper frame refers to Johann Casimir, Count Palatine, Tutor and Administrator. The towers rise 23 metres and include octagonal upper sections reached by internal staircases.

Visitors see the pointed arch on the city side, flanked by two massive towers. Inside the towers are narrow staircases leading to the old walkway above the wall. The eastern tower still shows the opening used to lower prisoners into a windowless cell. The gate’s barbican was removed in the 19th century, but the city’s coat of arms remains on the rear wall.