The Golden Tower in Regensburg is a monument to a kind of competition of local merchants. In the Middle Ages, the wealthy merchant families of the city competed to see "who is higher." It was expressed in the construction of towers, each of which belonged to any of the patrician families. The Golden Tower, which is extant, was built in 1260-1300. It is 50 meters high. Despite the tower name, it is impossible to find anything of gold in its construction. The Golden Tower bears this name because of the courtyard with the same name that existed here in the Middle Ages.
It’s curious that is not known for certain which family tried so hard to perpetuate its wealth. Scientists just assume that the tower was built by Waller’s family. The frescoes and inscriptions, which might confirm this version, have been destroyed by time. Now the Golden Tower is a student dormitory. Historians claim that it is the highest medieval tower to north of the Alps.