City walls in Bardejov, Medieval city walls in Bardejov, Slovakia
The city walls of Bardejov form an oval defensive ring around the old town core, built from sandstone with twelve preserved towers positioned along the perimeter. Visitors can walk along sections of these walls and access several towers to observe the fortification structure up close.
Stone fortifications began construction in 1352 under orders from Louis I of Hungary, replacing earlier wooden defenses that had protected the trading settlement. This shift to permanent stone structures strengthened the town's ability to defend itself and maintain its role in regional commerce for centuries.
The walls reflect medieval Central European defense design, blending Gothic and Renaissance building styles that visitors can observe in different sections of the fortifications.
Access to the walls is available from several points around the old town, with some sections easily reached on foot from the center. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip, as walkways can be uneven and climbing tower stairs requires steady footing.
The corners of the fortification feature reinforced sections that allowed defenders to monitor approaching threats from multiple angles. This thoughtful layout reveals how medieval builders strategically planned the structure to protect the town's trading interests from raids.
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