Osthof Gate Museum

Soest's cityscape continues to be significantly shaped by its imposing historic fortifications. The ramparts and other defensive structures were once of crucial importance for the city's political position and the daily lives of its inhabitants. Soest once had ten city gates, of which the Osthofentor is the only one to have been completely preserved. It was built between 1523 and 1526 by the Hessian master builder Porphyrius and his companions in a remarkably detailed design.

Today, the Osthofentor houses the remains of the city's armory, including an extensive stock of ammunition comprising around 25,000 crossbow bolts from the 14th to 16th centuries. Illustrated display boards visualize the structure of the town's medieval defences. Additional information boards and two city models in the former gate guard room illustrate the topographical development of Soest from around 1000 to 1900 and provide a coherent overview of the formative periods of the city's history.