Defensive walls in Paczków, Fortified walls and tower in Paczków, Poland
The defensive walls of Paczków form an oval ring of about 1,200 meters around the town and contain 20 semicircular towers as well as four angular towers at the main gates. The walls are broken by several passages and show the characteristic construction with brick and stone throughout.
Construction of these fortifications began around 1400 and was completed after renovation in 1514 under Bishop Jan Turzo, who created a new system of walls, gates, and towers. This renewal was crucial in protecting the town against threats of that era.
The fortifications gave Paczków a reputation as a medieval fortress town and still show the building methods used in the 15th century to defend Central European cities. Those who walk along the walls can still see traces of this old engineering in the shape and arrangement of the towers.
The walls are accessible at four points where openings were created in the 19th century to make walking around the town easier. It is possible to explore large sections on foot, and the history is visible everywhere.
Several of the towers have wooden canopies supported by brackets that protrude from the stonework, creating a kind of protective roof over the outside. This construction with overhanging wooden parts is a rare feature that is clearly visible on this structure.
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