Dokumentationszentrum Zeiler Hexenturm

About the museum

In the 17th century Zeil am Main belonged politically to the Prince-Bishopric of Bamberg and became the most important scene of the Bamberg witch persecutions. Between 1616 and 1631 the prince-bishop and his government had women and men arrested, tortured and executed as alleged witches and sorcerers in two great waves; accused people from Bamberg were also imprisoned in Zeil. By March 1619 alone, 43 people died at the stake in Zeil, and in total more than 400 people were burned here. Councillor Johann Langhans recorded the events in a diary before he himself became a victim.

The Upper Gate Tower from the 15th century, the most striking remnant of the town fortifications, served as a dungeon on its lower floor during the trials. In 2009 the town council decided to commemorate the persecutions with a permanent exhibition. It moved into the adjoining former jail house, which was built as a prison in the 18th century and is now connected to the tower; since 2011 the tower has been called the "Hexenturm" (Witches' Tower).

On the first floor, interrogation records, letters and Langhans's notes show how denunciation and torture spread; the room design, media stations and the audio drama "Tod auf dem Scheiterhaufen" (Death at the Stake) about Rochus Hofmann and his daughters bring the individual fates to life. The attic floor, with the historic access to the tower, hosts changing exhibitions. The building also houses the documentation "Treffpunkt Heimat" on the expellees from Römerstadt in the Sudetenland, for whom Zeil took on sponsorship in 1972.

Highlights

• 15th-century Upper Gate Tower, used as a dungeon during the trials
• Diary of the Zeil councillor Johann Langhans
• Interrogation records and letters of accused people
• Audio drama "Tod auf dem Scheiterhaufen" in five acts
• Documentation "Treffpunkt Heimat" on the expellees from Römerstadt

Permanent exhibitions

• Hexenverfolgung im Hochstift Bamberg – Permanent exhibition in the jail house and tower: trial files, interrogation records, letters and the diary of Johann Langhans tell of the waves of persecution between 1616 and 1631; staging, media and an audio drama explore individual fates in depth.
• Treffpunkt Heimat – Documentation on the expulsion and new beginning of the Germans from Römerstadt in the Sudetenland, on the Römerstadt pilgrimage to the Zeiler Käppele chapel and on the town's sponsorship; with exhibits, original documents, photos and a library.

Founded

2011

Operated by

Stadt Zeil a. Main

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

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Kids & families

Recommended for ages 8+

According to Bamberg Tourism, suitable for families with children aged 8 and over.

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