Rüthener Hexenturm

The Hexenturm in Rüthen stands in the small town of Rüthen in the Arnsberg region. It is a medieval tower that once formed part of the town’s fortifications. The tower was originally called the Allagener Turm before gaining its current name. During the witch trials in the Duchy of Westphalia, the tower held suspects such as Freunnd Happen from Meiste. Nearby, the Hachtor served as another prison and torture site for accused witches and others. The Hexenturm now houses an exhibition on witch trials created by the local Kulturring Rüthen. In Rüthen alone, 102 people were killed during the witch hunts, including 50 men and 52 women. When including surrounding districts, the number rises to 169 victims. The exhibition displays replicas of torture instruments and a cup used to keep victims conscious during interrogation. It also tells the stories of individuals like Grete Eickhoff, executed in 1659, and honours figures such as Friedrich Spee von Langenfeld and Michael Stappert, who opposed the witch hunts. Visitors to the Hexenturm find a sombre but important exhibition. Replicas of historical torture devices are shown alongside personal accounts of those persecuted. A bronze relief by Bert Gerresheim commemorates Spee and Stappert. The exhibition covers the witch trials from the 16th to the 18th centuries, highlighting Rüthen’s role as a centre of persecution in the Holy Roman Empire. The town’s city archives offer guided tours for those who wish to explore the history further.