The first written reference to the western gate tower dates to 1304. In the fifteenth century, it was reconstructed in the late Gothic style featuring the addition of a bay window. The tower features a square floor plan with dimensions of 7.72 m x 7.85 m; its total height is 31.70 m. The only access to the tower was from the ramparts of the city wall, over a narrow gate situated at a height of 7.75 m above ground. Inside, the upper storeys are accessed by means of ladders and stairs. Above the passageway of the gate is a stone vault, in the centre of which there is an opening for pouring. The other floors are finished with wooden beams and ceilings. The stone Turmpyramide, the pyramidal roof of the tower, has a height of 9.20 m and sits on the tower gallery, which is located at 22.50 m above ground. The tower has a total weight of 2,181 tonnes according to the building surveys. The tower spire, which was designed as a gabled flower, has always held a weather vane.
