Augsburg's Perlach Tower: Tower hood removed again - renovation delayed!

Augsburg's Perlach Tower: Tower hood removed again - renovation delayed!

In Augsburg, work on the Perlach Tower, one of the city's landmarks, is under an unfortunate star. As the BR reported, the removal of the tower's distinctive onion dome had to be postponed again. This is already the second attempt, because on the first attempt the wind thwarted the workers' plans, while on the second attempt an incorrect calculation of the required height for the lift led to a setback.

The specialist company commissioned delivered a lifting platform that was simply too short. In fact, lifts with heights over 75 meters are not easy to come by, which makes the situation anything but simple. A new date for the removal of the onion hood must now be found. As a small ray of hope, the figure of the city goddess Cisa, who sits enthroned at the top of the tower, will be removed next week.

Renovation measures on the Perlach Tower

The Perlach Tower has been closed since 2017 and is in serious need of renovation. The renovation is complex and is expected to cost around nine million euros. The aim is to protect the historic building in the long term and to ensure public accessibility. A central element of the renovation is the installation of a more accessible stairwell, which makes access to the interior of the tower easier.

According to information from the city of Augsburg, which can be found on its website, the new museum shop will become the entrance to the interior of the tower. However, visitors first have to negotiate a somewhat steep and narrow shaft staircase. This new staircase will stand freely inside the approximately 32 meter high tower and will not only provide access, but also an impressive view of the restored wall surfaces and other architectural details.

The new experience at the Perlachturm

The renovation work also includes the restoration of elements that have not been accessible for over 400 years. A small Gothic room will make a comeback and will soon be available for use again. The staircases are designed in such a way that they take over the statics and allow the visitor to look up. The design choices make for a thrilling experience as you climb, where pedestals offer views of the city from the tower windows.

If the weather is good, the view stretches all the way to the Alps - and that's definitely a reason to plan a visit to the Perlach Tower when the renovation work is completed. A spiral staircase will lead to the observation pavilion, which was designed by Elias Holl and will provide the crowning glory of a view over the cityscape. And not to forget: the golden weather vane Cisa, who watches over Augsburg as the city goddess.