Hexenturm

Stein am Rhein, Switzerland, Switzerland

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Hexenturm, known as the "Witch Tower," is a 14th-century medieval defense tower in the historic town of Stein am Rhein, canton of Schaffhausen, Switzerland, originally part of the town's fortifications with an elevated entrance 5 meters above ground and a converted battlement window.

It served as a prison until around 1800, earning its name from witch trials including the 1512 case against Anna Beringer and the 1667 execution of Katharina Albrecht, with 17 total executions linked to sorcery accusations often within families.

Today, the preserved structure stands amid Stein am Rhein's frescoed medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage candidate site offering Rhine River views and symbolizing the region's dark history of superstition.