Baszta Halszki w Szamotułach, Medieval fortified tower in Szamotuły, Poland.
Baszta Halszki is a Gothic residential tower in Szamotuły that rises four stories with buttresses at its corners and decorative window frames featuring fish bladder motifs. The building showcases the architectural style of its period through stone details that blend both beauty and function.
The tower was built in the late 15th century as a defensive structure protecting the town and served this purpose for several decades. In 1518 it was converted into residential quarters, marking a shift from military to civilian use.
The tower houses exhibits that tell the story of how this place grew and changed over time, from ancient periods to recent decades. Visitors can walk through rooms that show how people lived here across different eras, making the past feel connected to everyday life.
The interior is open to visitors with displays arranged across multiple levels, from archaeological finds in the basement to exhibits about local history in the upper floors. Plan to spend time climbing stairs and moving through the different sections to fully explore what is shown.
The top floor extends beyond the lower levels and features arcade friezes with machicolations on all four sides, revealing its original purpose as an independent defensive stronghold. This hidden architectural detail shows how medieval defensive structures were designed with specific battle-ready features.
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