The Basler Tor tower is the last remaining town gate in Durlach and a striking landmark of the former royal seat of Baden-Durlach. It dates back to the 14th century and was once part of the southern town fortifications with a kennel, moat and drawbridge.
After its destruction in the War of the Palatinate Succession in 1689, the tower was rebuilt as a prison - including massive vaults, thick oak doors and the characteristic Welsche hood.
In front of the tower stands the historic guardhouse from 1751, where road tolls were once collected. Two striking sandstone pillars are a reminder of the former front gate.
After decades of disuse, the tower has been renovated on a voluntary basis by the Jörg von Nördlingen Ritterschaft Durlach since 2018 and preserved as a cultural site.
