Porta Claudia

Ruins of the former barrage fortresses on the border between Bavaria and Tyrol

On the occasion of the solemn inauguration of the enormous dam, it was named after the wise sovereign princess Claudia von Medici, who was present in person. At the same time, the so-called "Schanz" was built as a border fortification in the Leutasch at the end of the valley. The Porta Claudia was not attacked during the Thirty Years' War, but nevertheless it was extended around 1670 according to the plans of Christoph Gumpp.

Claudia de Medici, the widow of the Tyrolean sovereign Archduke Leopold, completed her husband's work after his death by having the Porta Claudia built in the 17th century as protection for the country during the Thirty Years' War. Although it was not attacked during the war, it was later expanded under Empress Maria Theresa. At the end of the 18th century the building was again extended by Emperor Joseph II - and some of it still stands today. Walls up to six metres high with loopholes, partly already decayed and overgrown outbuildings, large vaults, a moat, ramparts etc. still show the mightiness of the fortress, which can also be seen in the coat of arms of the municipality of Scharnitz.

The best way to reach the Porta Claudia is via the Calvary. Coming from Seefeld there is a parking possibility at the public Karwendel car park, on the right side of the parish church in Scharnitz. Starting there, we walk back to the parish church and cross the road to the district of Bühel in the direction of the rocks to the Calvary. At the top of the calvary on the right, the path leads us directly to the former fortress. On the lowest path over the Malegg we pass through the restored archway and over a small path along the Isar back to the district of Bühel. A short journey through time into the history of the province of Tyrol.

Today excavations and renovations are carried out again and again, partly with great financial expenditure, partly by associations, like the Scharnitzer Schützenkompanie.