On a dark October night in 1268, a secret tunnel, a betrayed alliance, and a struggle for power would decide the fate of medieval Cologne. What began as a feud between wealthy families turned into a bloody street battle beneath the city walls. Who dug the hole—and who paid the price? Join us as we uncover the forgotten story of the Battle of Ulrepforte.

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Matthias Overstolz

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Matthias Overstolzen held by his allies being deadly wounded. From 1841, so not contemporary art. 😉

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Rheingasse

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Rheingasse looks like an ordinary post WW2 street in Cologne. But back in the 13th century it was the address for rich citizens like the Overstolzen to live here. Only their house (middle) remains in the street from that time.

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The parallel running neighboring street of Filzengraben is even worse. Here, post war urban planning made the small alley into a mini motorway for cars. Here also many patrician families lived in the 13th century.

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Ulrepforte

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The Ulrepforte in the red circle. See how rural the place is inside the city walls.

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Location of the Ulrepforte (red) and the Rheingasse and Filzengraben streets (yellow) where the Overstolzen and other patrician families lived.

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The Battle at Ulrepforte

Painted in 1841 by