Diebsturm

The Diebsturm stands on the former Säckinger island in Bad Säckingen, part of the medieval town fortifications. It marked the downstream end of the town wall that once protected the left bank of the river. The wall turned west here towards the right river arm, filled in during 1830, dividing the island into the built-up north and the meadows and gardens of the Au to the south. The tower likely dates from before the 1272 war damage, when Count Rudolf of Habsburg quickly rebuilt the defences. In the early 17th century it became part of the Schönau castle complex. Factory owner Theodor Bally bought the site in 1856 and had the tower remodelled in 1864 with neo-Gothic twin round-arched windows, a balcony facing the river and a decorative crenellated parapet instead of the original roof. Until the river power station above was completed in 1966, the tower’s foundations stood in the water. A footpath now runs between it and the shore. Its name suggests a prison, but no evidence confirms this. After restoration in 1978–79 it served as artists’ studios and adult education rooms. A civil registry office now uses a small wedding room inside, but access is currently closed due to damage while repairs are arranged with the heritage authority.