Beer holes

On a stroll through Erfurt's old town, the historic buildings show their most beautiful side. Colourful facades and distinctive decorations welcome visitors to the city. On closer inspection, however, two holes above the entrance gates catch your eye. These are not rain gutters, but have a special task to fulfil. Already in the Middle Ages, the holes showed that the owner of the house was entitled to brew and serve beer. When a new keg was tapped, the master brewer would put straw in the beer holes to announce that fresh beer was available. It should not be forgotten that beer was once one of the staple foods and enjoyed a high status in society.