Schwammerlturm in Leoben

Schwammerlturm in Leoben, Austria

Master builder Peter Carlone built this tower in 1615. In the beginning, the name of this building referred to its function. It was called Mautturm (toll tower). After getting its unique roof in 1794, the name Schwammerlturm (mushroom tower) became common.

Leipzig Tower in Halle (Saale)

Leipzig Tower in Halle (Saale), Germany

The Leipzig Tower (Leipziger Turm) was built in the 15th century. Canopy, roof lantern and the clock were added at the end of 16th century. The 44-metre-high edifice was used as a fire lookout tower. Today it is a prominent point on the Leipziger Straße, one of the main shopping streets in Halle.

View from a tower in Althofen

View from a tower in Althofen, Austria

From a tower named Hornturm located nearly on top of the mountain settlement Althofen you have this great view of the nearby mountain ranges. The big tower in this picture is named Annenturm and was part of the former town fortifications. Althofen is one of the oldest still inhabited mountain settlements in Austria.

Archduke John Tower in Mariazell

Archduke John Tower on top of the Bürgeralpe in Mariazell, Austria

The Archduke John Tower (Erzherzog-Johann-Warte) is named after Archduke John of Austria (Erzherzog Johann von Österreich) who he is remembered as a great modernizer in the Austrian state of Styria. The tower on top of the Bürgeralpe was built in 1908 and is a great look-out for the hills and mountains around Mariazell.

Aquileia Gate in Udine

Aquileia gate in Udine, Italy

The Aquileia Gate (Porta Aquileia) was errected in 1436 as part of the fifth ring of city walls surrounding the city of Udine. Entering the city through this gate lead to Via Aquileia where you can walk along six old palaces dating back to the 17th-19th centuries.

City hall tower in Passau

City hall tower in Passau, Germany

The tower of the city hall was erected between 1889 and 1892 by Heinrich Freiherr von Schmidt in neo-Gothic style. The coats of arms below the roof represent the founding members of the German Empire in 1871.

No Sorrows Tower in Linz

View of the No Sorrows Tower from the Castle Hill

While having lunch at the restaurant Schlossbrasserie on top of the castle hill I caught sight of this tower located in the centre of Linz. The 30 metres high tower made of wood is named No Sorrow Tower (Keine Sorgen Turm) and is part of the event Höhenrausch. Later I had a good view of the New Cathedral from there.