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© Raimond Spekking · CC BY-SA 4.0

Malakoff Tower

A gate tower of the Prussian riverbank fortifications at the Rheinauhafen – with a historic swing bridge right by the Chocolate Museum.

Photo spot

The Malakoff Tower on the Holzmarkt is a relic of the Prussian riverbank fortifications (1848–1858). The striking gate tower stands at the entrance to the Rheinauhafen, right next to the Chocolate Museum.

At a glance

Built
1852–1855
Location
Rheinauhafen, on the Holzmarkt
Notable
a historic iron swing bridge
Function
once a gate tower and gun emplacement

Source: Wikipedia · retrieved 2026-06-24

A harbour gate with a swing bridge

As part of the expansion of the riverside fortifications, the Malakoff Tower was built at the northern tip of the safety harbour. Its attached iron swing bridge still opens access to the Rheinauhafen today and belongs to the charming historic ensemble around the Chocolate Museum – a popular photo spot by the water.

© HOPflaume · CC BY-SA 3.0

Gallery

© Hans Peter Schaefer, http://www.reserv-a-rt.de · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons
© VollwertBIT · CC BY-SA 2.5 · Commons
© Raimond Spekking · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
© Raimond Spekking · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
© Horsch, Willy - HOWI · CC BY 3.0 · Commons
© Horsch, Willy - HOWI · CC BY 3.0 · Commons

Map

Blue dots: other places nearby — tap to explore.

Address

Am Leystapel
50678 Köln

Hours

So: 00:00–24:00

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Auto-generated, last verified: 2026-06-23