Saint Michael’s Gate

First historic records of Saint Michael’s gate date back to the mid-12th century, which make it one of Brixen’s oldest city gates. Also known as “Schwarzes Tor” (Black Gate), “Garnsteintor” or “Platztor,” it led to the main streets connecting Brixen with the Brenner Pass and the Pustertal valley. Saint Michael’s Gate was connected to the White Tower when it was first built. Prominent oriels adorn its façades, the one on the inner façade serving as a transition between the gate itself and the adjacent Michaelsburg castle. This side is also embellished with late Gothic frescoes dating from the 16th century: they show Saint Sebastian (top left), the coat of arms of prince-bishop Christoph von Schrofenstein (1460-1521 centre), Saint Martin with a beggar and a goose (top right), Saint Anne, Mother of Mary with child (bottom left) and Saint Christopher (bottom right).

Interesting detail

The fountain in front of the gate is dedicated to Saint Michael, who is known to have defeated Satan in the form of a dragon.

General information about the city gates

Brixen’s four oldest city gates are all still intact: the Sonnentor gate, also called Kreuztor, is found in the west, the Cloister gate in the east, Saint Michael’s gate at the White Tower and the Säbener gate in the north of the town. Historical documents from the 18th century show that these gates were still regularly locked after dark and there was no other way of entering the town.