Mouse Tower

Historical traditions and legends surround the tower on the small Rhine island in front of Bingen. It is a fact that the Romans built a small fortification here. However, during the rule of the Franks, it fell more and more into disrepair. Only when Hatto II took over the leadership in the Archdiocese of Mainz in 968 and became sovereign over Bingen did the tower regain significance. The name 'Mouse Tower', first documented in 1516, likely derives from its function as a watchtower (Middle High German 'musen' = to lurk). However, the tower was already associated in the 16th century with the legend of Bishop Hatto, who was said to have been eaten alive by mice as punishment for his mercilessness. In 1298, the tower was incorporated into the customs barrier system of Ehrenfels Castle. In 1689, French troops destroyed the structure. In 1855, the Prussians built a signal tower for shipping on the island, which can still be seen today.