Esslingen Castle is certainly the landmark of the city on the Neckar. It is now over 700 years old and was considered part of the city’s fortifications and a symbol of power, as it was supposed to protect the city from enemy attacks. However, it was never used as the seat of a noble family. To the west is the so-called Hochwacht, an observation tower, which can be dated to the 14th century. The other two towers were added later in the course of the 16th century. With a total of 28 gates and 50 towers, the town of Esslingen am Neckar was protected by one of the most secure fortresses in all of Swabia – an impressive demonstration of power.
