East Gate
Starting in 1284, the Ostentor (East Gate) was built on the eastern edge of today's Old Town of Regensburg. It was one of six gate towers of the former city fortifications and was built to protect the so-called "Ostenvorstadt". The Ostentor is one of the most beautiful Gothic city gates in Germany.
The five-story tower is complemented by two smaller octagonal towers, which still impressively demonstrate the fortified character of the gate complex. On both sides, pointed arches open the gateway, which leads through a gate hall with a ribbed cross yoke. To the left and right, one can still see wall slots through which portcullis with chains were lowered from the second floor. On the eastern side of the tower - the enemy's side - one can see porches above the gateway, which served as cast-iron bay windows, and above them the embrasures.
The very well preserved structure was the only city access to Regensburg from the eastern direction until 1889.
The Ostentor is the only completely preserved city gate of Regensburg. It is still used every day by vehicles and pedestrians. Even more than 700 years after its construction, it is not only part of Regensburg's infrastructure, but also an architectural highlight and an important monument of the city, which should be seen during a visit to Regensburg.
You should not miss this:
- Walk through the Ostentor, as locals and travelers have done for centuries.
- The subsequent Ostengasse is an ancient traffic route that was already used by the Romans. There were once many breweries and inns here.
- Go to the adjacent Villa Park. From there you have a great view of the royal villa.
