Schlossturm

The Schlossturm stands in the centre of Cottbus, a town in Brandenburg. It is the last survivor of the former prince’s residence, which was pulled down in 1857 after a fire. The tower’s lower part, dating from the early 13th century, is the city’s oldest surviving building. It sits on a small hill in front of the district court and is protected as a historic monument. The tower’s history is marked by repeated fires and restorations. After a blaze in 1857 destroyed the residence, a citizens’ association led by Hermann von Pückler-Muskau raised funds to rebuild the tower. In 1877 the new shaft and upper section were completed, with designs by Ferdinand von Arnim and work supervised by Kreisbaumeister Frick. A bell was added in 1931, and later repairs replaced the roof and staircase. Visitors climb a wooden spiral stair to two viewing platforms inside the tower. Each side of the upper section holds a clock with a blue face, while the lower platform houses the clock mechanism. The top of the tower offers views over the town and surrounding countryside. The medieval base contrasts with the 19th-century upper parts, topped by a steep slate roof and two ornamental spheres.