Brick Gate in Amberg

A brickworks as the namesake for the Ziegeltor in Amberg

The Brick Gate in Amberg got its name from the city's brickworks, which were located nearby. It also served as an entrance to the city, following the old Magdeburg Road. The transition from a medieval, Gothic city gate to a Renaissance structure can be particularly well understood by examining the architectural history of the tower and its surroundings.

In the sphere of human abysses and vices

On the way out of Amberg towards Ziegeltor, you pass through Batteriegasse. But where today friendliness and hospitality are paramount in the Altstadthotel and Hotel Brunner, and a small tailor shop pursues its busy craft, darkness and torment prevailed in past centuries. Not only did the Amberg executioner have his residence here, but a soldiers' prison and batteries of cannons were also stationed here. Furthermore, Ziegeltor in Amberg lay halfway to the gallows hill near Mariahilfberg.

On the way into town, on one side of the brick gate, one encountered the building mysteriously named „Schleich-Häuschen,“ which once housed a hot mangle. Earlier, however, it was probably used for sinister purposes. On the other side was an inn called "Roter Hahn" (Red Rooster). One can only guess what scenes took place there. However, this is now closed. The same applies to Moller Micherl's general store, which was also located in the shadow of the brick gate.

Gothic Simplicity

The Gothic tower of the Brick Gate was raised in 1581. To its right and left, two half-height battery towers flank it, which housed, among other things, the mentioned cannons. In 1888, the tower was renovated, and in 1904, the associated bridge received a facelift.

Today, the Amberg Gate is the seat of a Youth organization  (opens an external page). Since November 1955, the organization has had its headquarters there, after they had renovated the rather dilapidated premises.

Ring of Gates

Other gates of the Amberg city fortifications are:

• City glasses (Footbridge over the Vils)
• Vilstor
• Wingershofer Gate
• Nabburg Gate