The Moat

Surrounded by an imposing moat

As part of the city defences the Munot, like its predecessor the Annot, adjoined the city walls and was encircled by an imposing moat. Initially somewhat narrower, the moat was first extended around 1660. Today it stands at approximately 8 m deep and 20 m wide. The moat was never filled with water.

Caltrops and entanglements of sharpened stakes were placed at the bottom of the moat to make it even more difficult for attackers to cross it.

Today, the sun-drenched section of the moat on the south-facing slope of Emmersberg hill has allotment gardens. Still owned by the city and run by “Grün Schaffhausen”, the once hostile and militaristic location has been turned into an inviting and peaceful one.