Heldentor

The Heroes' Gate or Tower was built in 1932 in an eclectic style to mark the 400th anniversary of the successful defense of the city against the Turks. Although the dimensions of the very large building do not quite fit a small town, it has gradually become a landmark of Kőszeg. The design was created by Flóris Opaterny. The southern Lower Gate (Alsó-kaputorony), which was demolished in 1880, used to stand in its place and had been a particularly important part of the fortress since the 13th century, even if the besiegers rarely launched their attacks directly against the gate, as the moat was deepest here and there was no access to the drawbridge. This gate was the most important entrance to the city, welcoming those arriving peacefully from the lowlands and trying to fend off the enemy. The Old Bastion, which we have already seen earlier, also served to protect the gate. The Old Bastion was built at a distance from the gate, which allowed for optimal and effective defense through the use of arquebuses. This gate can also be found on the coat of arms of Kőszeg; the key of the gate symbolized the power of the town judge. This tower also housed the musicians employed by Tamás Nádasdy, who, according to the records of the town magistrate, entertained the townspeople with music at lunchtime and in the evenings from 1723. It is also noteworthy that a town drummer announced the musicians' performance and the time of day from the tower and sounded the alarm in case of fire. The building to the right of the Heroes' Gate is known as the Generalhaus. Several features, such as the preserved murder corridor, the vaulted cellar and the large 17th century loggia, confirm the house's Renaissance origins. It was from here that the decisions of the city leadership and the verdicts of the city court were announced. As far as we know, there is no similar loggia in the territory of present-day Hungary. From 1563-1671, Catholics expelled from their churches found a home in this house. The town bought the house from Tamás Nádasdy in 1719 to house the general of the cavalry garrison, hence the name of the house. The restoration workshop of the City History Museum has been working here since 1977, and space has also been created for offices. The house also houses the Kőszeg Small Trades Exhibition. From the top room, you can access the panoramic corridor of the tower, which offers a beautiful view of the city.