The only surviving tower-like city gate in Vorarlberg

Until the early 19th century, the old town of Feldkirch was surrounded by a ring of fortifications comprising city walls, a moat and city gates. Of its original four city gates, only the Churer Tor and the Mühletor remain today.

The crenellated porch was demolished after 1826 when the city moats were levelled and the Hirschgraben was filled in.

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The name Churer Tor

Formerly known as Salz- or Hewerstor.

Until 1615, the Chur Gate was known as the Hewer Gate, a name that may derive from the Feldkirch family of the same name, but also from Heinrich IV von Hewen, Prince-Bishop of Chur.

The name Salztor was first used in 1618. This name derives from the neighbouring salt storehouse, where salt delivered from Tyrol was stored. The salt storehouse was demolished in 1908.

The name ‘Churer Tor’ refers to the important trade route to Chur, which passed through this gate via the Heiligkreuz Bridge – the only crossing over the River Ill.

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Historical views and photographs

The ‘Churer Tor’ as a historical artefact

The ‘Churer Tor’, a landmark of Feldkirch, can be seen on historical postcards, on a 1960 postage stamp, and in historical pictures and photographs.

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Compact exhibition: ‘Entrance to Feldkirch’ – The Four City Gates

A compact exhibition on Feldkirch’s four city gates, featuring historical views and documents: The Churer Tor and Mühletor, as well as the Bregenzer Tor and Bludenzer Tor, which were demolished in the 19th century.

  • You can find further information here.

    • The Churer Tor in Feldkirch

    The Feldkirch City Gate: Austria’s gateway to the West

    The building

    The Middle Ages meet the Renaissance

    In the press

    Reports on the city gate Churer Tor.

    Map

    Here you can find the location of the Churer Tor.