Mill & City Tower

Here on the banks of the Kirnau stood an important engine for the entire town for centuries: the stately mill. It was first mentioned in a document in 1526. The mill belonged to the Barons of Adelsheim. Milling was compulsory. This meant that local farmers had to grind their grain there and pay a milling fee of probably 1/16 of the grain quantity.

The steady clatter of the millstones and the splashing of the water wheel were the background noise of the town for many generations. It was not until 1980 that they fell silent. Today, only the historic building reminds us of this place full of activity.

Right next door stands the town tower. Once upon a time, a mighty medieval gate tower stood here as part of the town fortifications. For centuries, it protected Adelsheim from enemies, served as a customs station, and was a visible sign of Adelsheim's rule: anyone who wanted to enter here entered the domain of the Adelsheim family.

But walls and towers do not last forever. The tower fell into disrepair, eventually collapsed, and disappeared from the townscape. However, it left behind a noticeable gap. Finally, it was decided to rebuild it. Today, it stands once again in its old place—no longer as a bulwark, but as a monument to times gone by.