Steiner Gate in Krems

Steiner Tor

This is one of Krems’ landmarks and the only one of the four preserved former city gates. The main tower, dating from the 15th century, bears a series of exterior inscriptions, including Emperor Friedrich III’s motto “AEIOU” (Austriae Est Imperare Orbi Universo – “It is Austria’s destiny to rule the world”). Three coats of arms from 1756 adorn the city entrance: on the left, the still valid coat of arms granted by Emperor Friedrich III showing a crowned double eagle on a black background; on the right, the coat of arms of Ladislaus Posthumus; and in the middle, the coat of arms of Maria Theresa. The installation in the base area by Leo Zogmeyer features metal cubes with mythical proclamations that commemorate the persecution and extermination of Jewish citizens in Krems after 1938.

Originally, the area outside the Steiner Tor was endangered by Danube floods. The demolition of the city walls, which also served as flood protection, only became possible after the river was regulated in the 19th century and extensive dike constructions were built south of Krems’ old town, along with the construction of the Wachau Railway in the early 20th century. A memorial stone on the side of the inner Steiner Tor commemorates a flood disaster in 1573 when an ice jam flooded the main road. Behind the gate begins Obere Landstrasse, Krems’ pedestrian zone, which together with Untere Landstrasse forms the medieval town’s main axis, stretching about 700 meters to Wiener Brücke.