St. Martin's Tower, Bregenz, Austria

St. Martin’s Tower is the landmark of the Bregenz. It offers exhibitions and a picturesque, beautiful panorama over Bregenz, the Swiss mountains and Lake Constance.

A warehouse from the time of the city’s foundation c. 1250 originally stood there, which was barely higher than the city wall. The warehouse had a basement, a ground floor higher up and an upper floor. As early as the first half of the 14th century, there was a small chapel room in the upper floor that was separated with wooden walls. In 1362, Count Wilhelm III of Montfort founded St. Martin’s Chapel, which, in the subsequent years, was furnished with magnificent frescos and expanded across the entire upper floor. In the late 15th century, the previously secularly used ground floor was integrated into the chapel room, with the ceiling being torn out, making the room approximately twice as high.

From 1599 to 1601, master builder Benedetto Prato from Roveredo, Grisons, elevated the existing building at the behest of the city. The former warehouse became a tower, on which Prato set a huge wooden dome – a wooden dome that makes St. Martin’s Tower the first characteristic baroque structure in the Lake Constance region. St. Martin’s Tower was the new watchtower of Bregenz. For centuries, the watch performed his service there, whose job it was to warn the city, particularly in the face of fire.

References:

Bregenz Tourism

Miscellaneous historic sites in Austria

User Reviews

Jeremy Springman (9 months ago)
This was an unplaced stop, but we were so glad we dropped in. I wish there was some English signage, but it was still fascinating.

Rishikesh Banore (10 months ago)
View is good. There is a ticket for getting into tower.

Cláudio Cardona (17 months ago)
The Martinsturm in Bregenz, Austria, is an exceptional historical site, rich in culture and history. This former grain storage tower, located in the first courtyard of the Counts of Bregenz, stands as a testament to the architectural and historical evolution of the city. Architectural and Historical Significance Originally a lower tower built in the first half of the 13th century, the Martinsturm was later elevated to its current height by the architect Benedetto Prato between 1599 and 1601. This transformation marked the tower as one of the first Baroque buildings in the Lake Constance region and home to the largest onion dome in Central Europe. The tower’s onion dome, built primarily for aesthetic rather than military purposes, makes it a distinctive landmark in Bregenz . Cultural and Artistic Heritage The tower has seen various uses over the centuries, from a defensive structure to a lookout point for fire watch. It has also housed a small military history museum and, since April 2015, a city history museum with a permanent exhibition. The Martinsturm’s history is intricately linked with the Martinskapelle (St. Martin’s Chapel), which was expanded in 1362 and features remarkable frescoes, some of which were rediscovered and restored between 1910 and 1914 by the painter Florus Scheel . Visitor Experience While the interior of the Martinsturm was closed to visitors in January 2024, its exterior remains a sight to behold. The tower’s impressive Baroque architecture and the largest onion dome in Central Europe are visually stunning. From its highest floors, visitors can enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the city, though this was not possible during the renovation period . Surrounding Area Situated in the Bregenzer Oberstadt, the Martinsturm is part of a historical complex that includes the adjoining Martinskapelle and a residential building. The area is rich in history, with city walls dating back to the 13th-16th centuries still largely intact. The tower forms the northeast corner of this historical ring wall . Overall Impression The Martinsturm in Bregenz is a captivating historical site that offers a unique glimpse into the architectural and cultural history of the region. Its distinctive Baroque architecture and the artistic treasures within the adjacent chapel make it a worthwhile visit for those exploring Bregenz’s old town. While the interior was inaccessible for renovation, the tower’s external beauty and historical significance still provide a memorable experience for visitors.

Виктория Зайцева (3 years ago)
We didn't get into the museum. For some reason it is closed and there are no messages about it anywhere. Outside, both the tower and the old town are very interesting. Worth a look.

Jen Gillman (3 years ago)
Great views and interesting exhibition about Bregenz. Unfortunately no translation available. Pretty cafe garden by entrance but seemed shut.

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