Town Fortification Rottenmann

To protect the merchants who traveled the heavily frequented Salzstraße (formerly Römerstraße), Rottenmann Castle was built in the 11th century and surrounded by walls and moats.

The castle, first mentioned in 1048, was initially owned by the territorial princes and later passed to the Diocese of Bamberg. In the 15th century, the castle was incorporated into the city fortifications. Today, only a castle gate remains of the complex. The names "Burggasse" and "Burgtor" commemorate the old defensive structure. The beginnings of the city wall construction date back to the 13th century. In 1302, the existence of the city wall is documented by the mention of a Hilterinus apud portam (gatekeeper).

Starting from the southern castle gate, other city gates such as the Graz Gate (1340), Salzburg Gate (1362), the city tower, Reckturm, and the Schwembtor were gradually built. In the mid-19th century, the demolition of the city gates began. Only the southern castle gate, which has been in private ownership since 1827, was spared.