Franco's Tower

Franco's Tower, locally known as Frankenturm, is situated in the center of the city of Trier, in the Rhineland-Palatinate region in Germany.

Franco's Tower is a tower house which was built during the 11th century. During that time there were still a lot more Roman ruins visible in the city than today, which is why its architectural style bears resemblance to Roman architecture. The local Roman ruins also served as a source of building materials for the tower. At that moment in time there were several tower houses built inside the city of Trier. Probably because the old city wall was not functioning anymore.

Originally Franco's Tower had 5 floors and could only be entered through a door at first floor level. This door would have been reached by a retractable wooden stair. The tower served as a residence for the ministerials, who were in the service of the Archbishop.

In 1308 the height of the tower was reduced to 2 and a half floors. Later during the 14th century the tower was inhabited by a Franco von Senheim, whose name stuck to it.

In the late 1930s the tower was partly restored and was planned to become a National Socialist Youth Home. This didn't happen and the tower was left structurally unfinished. After WW II several structures built against the tower were removed and it became a freestanding tower again. It stayed empty for many years. Between 2005 and 2007 it was restored again.

At present Franco's Tower is used by the local tourist office and it can be rented for special occasions. Too bad it was closed when I came by.

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