Katerturm

The Katerturm stands in Saarlouis, a town in the Saarland. It is a flag and viewing tower built in 1955 for a large camping rally. A black cat weather vane tops the tower, giving it its name. The rally drew 4 037 campers from 20 countries who stayed in tents and caravans. Temporary buildings of light stone were erected for offices and a restaurant, linked by a surviving arched gateway. The tower and gateway were meant to be removed after the event but remained. A restaurant later opened inside the tower. In 1966 the first boules club of the Saarland was founded in this restaurant. The tower now sits beside the town’s swimming pool and is included in guided tours. Visitors find a stone tower with a zinc-covered roof and a small glazed lantern above the entrance. The cat weather vane turns on its spire. Inside, a new floor has been laid in the single room. Outside, the archway frames views of the city garden and the pool. The stonework has been cleaned and repaired, and ground lights illuminate the structure at night.