Martinsturm
A historic Baroque tower with a striking onion dome, set in Bregenz's charming old town, offering glimpses of medieval frescoes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Martinsturm
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Baroque tower with a striking onion dome, set in Bregenz's charming old town, offering glimpses of medieval frescoes.
"The Martinsturm really adds to the charm of the whole upper town. A must-see when you visit Bregenz."
Check Museum Hours First
The museum inside Martinsturm can be closed unexpectedly. Always verify opening times before your visit. :ticket:
Comfortable Shoes Needed
The Oberstadt has cobblestone streets, so wear comfy shoes for exploring the historic lanes. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Martinsturm Exterior
Bregenz Oberstadt
Admire the striking Baroque architecture and the largest onion dome in Central Europe. A true landmark.
Martinskapelle Frescoes
Adjacent to Martinsturm
Discover 14th-century Gothic frescoes, some of which have been beautifully restored. A glimpse into medieval art.
Bregenz Oberstadt
Upper Old Town, Bregenz
Wander through elegant, historic streets with cobblestones and charming old buildings. A step back in time.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Martinsturm
Exploring the Oberstadt
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Museum Hours First
The museum inside Martinsturm can be closed unexpectedly. Always verify opening times before your visit. :ticket:
Comfortable Shoes Needed
The Oberstadt has cobblestone streets, so wear comfy shoes for exploring the historic lanes. :athletic_shoe:
Enjoy the Old Town Charm
Don't just see the tower; immerse yourself in the elegant, historic feel of the surrounding Oberstadt. :world_map:
Panoramic Views (When Open)
If the tower is open, the panoramic views of Bregenz and Lake Constance are highly recommended. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Museum Hours First
The museum inside Martinsturm can be closed unexpectedly. Always verify opening times before your visit. :ticket:
Comfortable Shoes Needed
The Oberstadt has cobblestone streets, so wear comfy shoes for exploring the historic lanes. :athletic_shoe:
Enjoy the Old Town Charm
Don't just see the tower; immerse yourself in the elegant, historic feel of the surrounding Oberstadt. :world_map:
Panoramic Views (When Open)
If the tower is open, the panoramic views of Bregenz and Lake Constance are highly recommended. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Martinsturm's striking Baroque exterior and its prominent onion dome, noting its significant contribution to the charm of Bregenz's historic Oberstadt. While the tower and old town are visually impressive, some guests have experienced disappointment due to unexpected closures of the interior museum, highlighting the need to verify opening hours.
"I loved walking through the Bregenz Oberstadt. The area has such an elegant, historic feel with its cobblestone streets and well-kept old buildings. The Martinsturm really adds to the charm of the whole upper town. A must-see when you viait Bregenz."
Dani A.
"We didn't get into the museum. For some reason it is closed and there are no messages about it anywhere. Outside, both the tower and the old town are very interesting. Worth a look."
Виктория Зайцева
"The Martinsturm in Bregenz, Austria, is an exceptional historical site, rich in culture and history. This former grain storage tower, located in the first courtyard of the Counts of Bregenz, stands as a testament to the architectural and historical evolution of the city.
Architectural and Historical Significance
Originally a lower tower built in the first half of the 13th century, the Martinsturm was later elevated to its current height by the architect Benedetto Prato between 1599 and 1601. This transformation marked the tower as one of the first Baroque buildings in the Lake Constance region and home to the largest onion dome in Central Europe. The tower’s onion dome, built primarily for aesthetic rather than military purposes, makes it a distinctive landmark in Bregenz .
Cultural and Artistic Heritage
The tower has seen various uses over the centuries, from a defensive structure to a lookout point for fire watch. It has also housed a small military history museum and, since April 2015, a city history museum with a permanent exhibition. The Martinsturm’s history is intricately linked with the Martinskapelle (St. Martin’s Chapel), which was expanded in 1362 and features remarkable frescoes, some of which were rediscovered and restored between 1910 and 1914 by the painter Florus Scheel .
Visitor Experience
While the interior of the Martinsturm was closed to visitors in January 2024, its exterior remains a sight to behold. The tower’s impressive Baroque architecture and the largest onion dome in Central Europe are visually stunning. From its highest floors, visitors can enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the city, though this was not possible during the renovation period .
Surrounding Area
Situated in the Bregenzer Oberstadt, the Martinsturm is part of a historical complex that includes the adjoining Martinskapelle and a residential building. The area is rich in history, with city walls dating back to the 13th-16th centuries still largely intact. The tower forms the northeast corner of this historical ring wall .
Overall Impression
The Martinsturm in Bregenz is a captivating historical site that offers a unique glimpse into the architectural and cultural history of the region. Its distinctive Baroque architecture and the artistic treasures within the adjacent chapel make it a worthwhile visit for those exploring Bregenz’s old town. While the interior was inaccessible for renovation, the tower’s external beauty and historical significance still provide a memorable experience for visitors."
Cláudio Cardona
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Martinsturm is located in the historic Oberstadt (Old Town) of Bregenz. You can reach it by walking uphill from the main town center. Parking can be challenging in the old town, so public transport or walking is often recommended.
Yes, Bregenz is well-connected by public transport. From the train station, you can walk to the Oberstadt or take a local bus. The walk itself is part of the experience, leading you through charming streets.
Parking directly in the Oberstadt is very limited. It's best to use public parking garages in the lower town and then walk up to the historic district.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the exterior of the Martinsturm and the Oberstadt are free to explore, a ticket is usually required to enter the tower and its museum. However, it's crucial to check current opening status as it can be closed for renovations.
Opening hours can vary, and the tower and museum have been known to close for renovations without much notice. It's essential to check the official Bregenz tourism website or local information points for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Yes, there is typically an entrance fee for the museum located within the Martinsturm. The exact price can vary, so it's best to confirm on-site or via official channels.
The Martinskapelle is adjacent to the tower and often accessible, though its interior access might also be subject to specific hours or events. The frescoes inside are a significant historical feature.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the Martinsturm with its onion dome is a prime photo subject. Capture it from different angles within the Oberstadt. The cobblestone streets and historic buildings also make for great shots. +1
Photography rules inside museums can vary. Generally, photos for personal use are allowed, but flash photography might be restricted, especially near delicate frescoes. Check for signage inside. +1
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light that enhances the Baroque architecture. Weekday mornings can provide fewer people in your shots. +1
🎫 🏛️ History & Culture
Originally a 13th-century grain storage tower, it was elevated in Baroque style between 1599-1601, becoming one of the first Baroque buildings in the region. It has served various purposes, including defense and fire watch.
The Martinskapelle features remarkable 14th-century Gothic frescoes, some of which were rediscovered and restored in the early 20th century. They offer a significant glimpse into medieval art.
The Martinsturm boasts the largest onion dome in Central Europe. It was primarily an aesthetic addition, making the tower a distinctive and visually striking landmark in Bregenz.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining a visit with a walk along the Bregenz lakefront or a ride on the Pfänderbahn cable car for more kid-friendly activities. The focus for families here is more on the overall historical ambiance of the old town rather than specific child-centric attractions within the tower itself.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Take your time to appreciate the details of the buildings and imagine life in Bregenz centuries ago. The tower's transformation from a simple structure to a Baroque landmark tells a story of evolving architectural styles and urban development in the region.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel: The Martinsturm
Over the centuries, the tower has served multiple roles, from a defensive structure and fire lookout point to housing a military history museum and, more recently, a city history museum. Its history is deeply intertwined with the Martinskapelle (St. Martin's Chapel) next door, which itself dates back to 1362 and contains significant Gothic frescoes. These artistic treasures, rediscovered and restored, offer a vivid connection to the region's medieval past.
While the interior access can be intermittent due to renovations, the exterior of the Martinsturm remains an impressive sight. Its unique silhouette and historical significance make it a focal point of the Bregenz Oberstadt. Visitors often find the tower's presence adds immensely to the charm and historical atmosphere of the old town.
Exploring the Bregenzer Oberstadt
Martinsturm is a central feature of this historic quarter, anchoring the northeast corner of the old city walls. The entire district, with its intact 13th to 16th-century city walls, provides a tangible connection to Bregenz's past. Wandering through the Oberstadt allows you to appreciate the architectural evolution of the city and discover hidden courtyards and charming details.
Many visitors find the Oberstadt to be a highlight of their Bregenz visit, appreciating its quiet charm and historical significance. It's a perfect place for a leisurely stroll, offering a more intimate and authentic experience of the city away from the main tourist hubs.
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