The Jerusalem Gate

The gate which was built in 1503 (Government of Count Ludwig II von Ysenburg) had the function of protecting the easy accessable west front of the town. Originally the gate was connected to a draw bridge. Above the pointed arch of the gateway are the combined coats of arms of Ysenburg and Nassau, the parapet in fish-bladder tracery with gargoyles below. The Name "Jerusalem Gate" derives most likely from the refugees of religious persecution who settled during the 18th century in Büdingen. These believers imagined to face the "heavenly Jerusalem" on earth when arriving at the entrance of the city. Therefor they named the gate after the holy city: Jerusalem Gate. The bridge, the base of which was excavated in 2003, stands free again and a wooden inset indicated the former draw bridge.