Ponttor

The westernmost of the north-facing gates (the other being the Sandkaultor, which no longer exists), the Ponttor was built in the 14th century and manned by soldiers and militia throughout the Free Imperial City of Aachen era.

Built mostly out of local blue limestone and sandstone blocks, it comprises twin towers standing at approximately 25 meters high flanking either side with an arched gateway running between them.

Above the archway are machicolations – openings through which hot oil or rocks could be dropped onto enemies attempting to breach the gate below – adding another layer to this formidable defense system.

[2] Though it is true that Aachen has many rivers and streams that pass through it, none are in the vicinity of the Ponttor, the name for which is assumed to come from the Latin word "pons", meaning bridge.

The neighborhood received the name because of a bridge, as during Ancient Roman times, a fortification existed on what is today known as the Annuntiaten stream.