Sichtbar und sicher

What does it mean when in early modern times the front door is open during the day? Is this an invitation to enter? Or does one trust the authorities so much that public space is considered safe during the day? What does it mean when the aristocracy, who is allowed to carry arms, no longer hides his new buildings behind walls, but uses permeable lattice gates? Does he want to present the splendor of architecture or even to inspire confidence? Who is allowed to look in the windows, who can get out of them? The book examines these questions using the example of the Münster aristocratic palaces of the 18th century. For the first time, tendencies towards transparency in the aristocratic architecture of Europe and its relation to private and public security are systematically examined.