Hexenturm

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In the extreme south-west corner of the crescent-shaped medieval town layout on the town wall is the only surviving tower of the old town fortifications. The semi-circular building, which was erected in the 14th century from Rüthen green sandstone, got its name from the vernacular due to its function as a dungeon and torture chamber during the long-lasting Rüthen witch trials in the 16th and 17th centuries and the gruesome circumstances surrounding them. Around 600 people were condemned as witches in the Sauerland at the time.

Around half of the alleged witches were men. Of the 102 people accused of witchcraft in Rüthen, only two survived the interrogations and gruesome torture. There are small loopholes in the small two-storey tower. In the lower room of the tower, torture devices hang on the stone walls: a thumbscrew, long iron torture tongs and an execution sword. Illuminated information boards on the history of witch-hunts are embedded in the floor.

A narrow wooden staircase leads to the upper room. There you can see a so-called 'elevator' - a noose attached to a heavy stone. An old rod and a neck shackle hang on the walls. Next to it is a wooden torture chair. In addition to this tower, the old town fortifications had a further 12 towers and blockhouses, the remains of which can still be seen in the 3.5 km ring of town walls on a circular walk.

At many points along the wall path, there are charming views of the varied natural landscape surrounding the town. A bronze relief on the outer wall of the tower is a reminder of the times of witch-hunts in Rüthen. However, the work of art is also a monument to the overcoming of the witch craze through the courageous actions of the famous Jesuit priest Friedrich von Spee and the country priest Michael Stappert (Stapirius) from Rüthen, who is also depicted there. Both were opponents of the persecution of witches. Friedrich von Spee was the confessor of many alleged witches and published a book on the persecution of witches in the 17th century entitled 'Cautio criminalis' (German: 'Vorsicht bei der Anklage').

You can visit the Hexenturm as part of a guided tour!