This witches’ tower in Gelnhausen was completed in 1478. It was first built as part of the fortification of the city walls. It was a watch tower and a place for storing weapons.
Later it was called “Fratzenstein” or “Grotesque tower” when the lower room became a prison for those accused of witchcraft. Trials were held in the town hall and often included torture.
During the witch hunts of the late 16th and early 17th centuries, more than 50 people were executed here for witchcraft. There is a well-documented case of the widow of a parish priest named Johannes Strupp in 1599 that shows that anyone could become a victim.
This memorial lists the names of those who were executed here for witchcraft. At the bottom it says, “Remembrance is the secret of reconciliation.”
There is a small garden here with a bronze statue they call “the Calling Woman.” It was erected in 1986 in memory of those who were executed here.
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