The approximately eleven metre high round tower was probably built in the 14th or 15th century and is therefore one of the oldest buildings in the city. The watch tower was part of the medieval fortification system of the town of Pforzheim and was two metres higher at the time. As part of a signalling chain that stretched from the Turmberg in Durlach to the "Lug" near Illingen, the Wartturm was a signal tower and alerted citizens in the event of danger. It thus served as an advanced observation and defence post to protect against surprise attacks. The tower is made of plastered limestone masonry and the massive walls are 1.1 metres thick.
The tower is surrounded by a partially dilapidated curtain wall with embrasures. The curtain wall is built approx. 4.5 metres away from the tower and in earlier times formed a "refuge courtyard", which served as a place of refuge for people who had to flee from a surprise attack. Originally there were 15 embrasures, nine of which can still be recognised today.
The tower was renovated in 1869. At this time, a spiral staircase was installed inside, replacing the ladders that connected the three storeys with wooden floors. Since then, it has served as a lookout tower. Today's staircase to the entrance door, which is three metres above the ground, did not exist at that time. To make it more difficult for enemies to climb up, access was only possible via a ladder that could be pulled in quickly in the event of an attack.
A key is required to climb the tower, which can be collected during opening hours from the L'Osteria restaurant, just a few metres away.
The Wartturm is located on a ridge, the Wartberg, north-east of Pforzheim at an altitude of 374.8 metres above sea level.
