Kněžská brána, Medieval gate in Žatec, Czech Republic
Knězska Gate is a medieval gate in Žatec built as a three-story tower with an irregular base, standing about 17.5 meters (57 feet) tall and measuring 10 by 6.5 meters (33 by 21 feet) at ground level. The structure shows thick stone walls with narrow openings typical of 14th-century fortifications, and a stone staircase inside leads upward from the town side to the upper floors.
Built around 1360, this gate was one of only two surviving entrances from the original four medieval gates that defended the fortified city of Žatec. Over the centuries, it remained a key part of the town's structure through wars and urban changes.
The inner walls of the gate display inscriptions that recall Žatec's historical importance as a trading and political center. These marks show how this passage served as a symbol of the city's identity and protection.
The gate is easily accessible on foot and stands at the heart of Žatec's old town near the main square, where it is visible from several angles. The surrounding area features paved streets that allow comfortable viewing from different approaches.
Research on the oak timber supporting the gate doors reveals the wood was cut between 1358 and 1359, pinpointing the exact construction period. This precise dating shows the building was completed faster than early historical guesses had suggested.
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