Where thieves were beheaded in the 18th century
From October there will be a new city tour in Winterthur. On the nightly tour, the night watchman tells where the city used to punish, torture and execute criminals everywhere.
—
In historical costume and with a real halberd, the night watchman Marcel Abplanalp guides you through Winterthur at night.
Photo: Enzo Lopardo
When the church strikes nine times, a man in a dark robe strides across Merkurplatz. In his hands he holds a halberd and a lantern. Rusty keys dangle from his belt and a cow horn hangs around his neck. In a loud voice he calls out: “Listen, people and let me tell you, our bell has struck nine.” This is the start of the new city tour of the House of Winterthur.
The night watchman Marcel Abplanalp guides you through Winterthur at night, back to the 18th century when the people still of witches gleft. At that time, Winterthur was from the city wall surrounds. Protecting the people inside the wall was the task of the night watchman. He ensured law and order, paid attention to the source of the fire and called the time at every hour.
–
