Who is responsible for maintaining the quality of the place?

The historic centre of Schaffhausen is a cultural monument of national importance. Until 1856, two towers were part of the city’s western fortifications. Although the upper tower was demolished, the lower tower still stands and is now owned by the City of Schaffhausen. It repaired and refurbished the roof and the quarry stone façade in the 1990s. At a height of 22 metres, the round Thief’s Tower rises above the row of houses that have grown together. On Grabenstrasse there is a car park at the foot of the tower and a recently built commercial outbuilding next to it. This is where pragmatism meets history.

Does the place adapt while at the same time preserving its built heritage?

The Lower Thief’s Tower, built in 1296, has a colourful history. As part of the city’s fortifications, its tall arrow slits had long been used by archers to defend the city. At the same time, the lower part of the round tower was also used as a prison. It was difficult to escape, as the walls of the tower are up to two metres thick. And the entrance is five metres above the ground. Today, the disused tower is mainly an eye-catcher and a nesting site for birds.

Does the place foster sustainable mobility?

The moat that once surrounded the city walls is now a ring road that buses use to bypass and access the historic centre of Schaffhausen. The Thief’s Tower stands on one side of this ring road. On the other side it is located in a quiet old town alley, which is passable by car only in one direction. Pavements on both sides of the one-way street provide space for pedestrians.

Will the place remain attractive in the long term for living, working, leisure and/or tourism?

The Thief’s Tower itself is not accessible. Attached to it, however, are residential buildings with commercial space on the ground floor. Along Grabenstrasse, there are businesses such as a plumbing supply shop and a pizza delivery service, while on the quieter side, along the street called Neustadt, there are small shops and skilled-trade businesses such as an upholsterer, a tailor and a shoemaker. Here you can still experience the charm of the Old Town, with its density and diversity.

Does the place bring different people together?

This well-preserved part of the western city wall is a vibrant and mixed-use neighbourhood. Flats, businesses, shops, offices, studios, and a restaurant at the end of Neustadt mean that the area is filled from morning to night with people from around town and the wider region. On this narrow street alone, several skilled artisans still maintain their workshops and offer their services right in the middle of the Old Town.

Are the built heritage and regional specificities preserved and harnessed?

Schaffhausen has one of the largest old towns in Switzerland, a cultural monument of immeasurable value. Over 30 generations have lived, planned and built here since its foundation almost 1,000 years ago. Although parts of the Old Town have been destroyed by fires, floods and raids over the past centuries, it has been rebuilt, redesigned and adapted to the needs of its inhabitants time after time. The Old Town is a living and diverse cultural monument.

Is the place notable for its distinctiveness?

Originally, the western wall of the city was fortified with two towers, the Lower Thief’s Tower and the Upper Thief’s Tower. The upper tower was demolished in 1856, but the lower tower remains. In 1982, a two-storey building on Grabenstrasse in front of the round tower was demolished. As a result, the Thief’s Tower was once again revealed and became an eye-catcher. Archaeologists in Schaffhausen date the tower to 1296, and an additional storey was added in 1381. With its distinctive octagonal roof and small arrow slits directly below, it is now visible from afar.

Does the place have an atmospheric impact on the beholder?

A ring road that runs along the former moat surrounds the evolved historic centre and separates the old Schaffhausen from its newer parts. The atmospheric impact inside the city walls is therefore very different from the impact outside. This is also true for the Thief’s Tower. On the one hand it is part of the modern city, and on the other hand it is part of the historical atmosphere. Shuttling between these two coexisting eras is what makes this part of the Old Town so attractive to residents and visitors alike.