Einwilligung zur Nutzung.

The Veste (fortress) situated to the west of Erlangen's Old Town is first documented in 1372 as the property of Charles IV. It served to secure the town and was the residence of the Amtmann (bailiff) or the Vogt (administrator) as representative of the town's ruler. This fortified complex was of the motte-and-bailey castle type. At the centre stood a two-storey residential tower with vaulted cellars underneath. Its only access point seems to have been a wooden bridge leading through a gate into the town. The fortress was severely damaged in several wars, but restored again and again. Only after its destruction during the Thirty Years' War was it left in ruins.

The town wall was probably only erected after the town received its charter in 1398. It included three gates and only encircled the core of this small town. Remains of the town walls dating from the late 15th century have been preserved at Saugraben ('Pigs' Trench') on Nördliche Stadtmauerstraße ('Northern Wallstreet'). Its former course can still be traced near Schulstraße, Lazarettstraße, and Cedernstraße.