A reminder of Olkusz's medieval past is a reconstructed medieval tower with a section of the fortification walls and moat. Olkusz was a rich, mining town, stHence the townspeople had to be prepared to repel an attack. Initially, the town was defended by earthen ramparts. It was not until the reign of King Casimir the Great that Olkusz was surrounded by a stone wall and moat. The city wall, almost two meters thick, was more than 1,100 meters long and 9 meters high. It was defended by 15 towers built on a rectangular plan. One could enter the city through two main gates; Krakowska and Slawkowska. There was also reportedly a Wolbrom gate. Over time, so-called "wickets", or small passageways, were punched in the wall for the convenience of the residents. Over time, the defensive walls ceased to fulfill their role and were demolished in the early 19th century. Years ago, a group of Olkusz history enthusiasts undertook the reconstruction of a section of the wall and a tower on the original foundations. The work, which lasted more than a dozen years, was completed in 1986. The tower and wall are rebuilt from two types of stone. The red sandstone fragments show the appearance of the fortifications in the 14th century. At that time the tower was open on the side of the city, rose to the height of the wall and was topped, like the wall, with a blank crenellation. The part built of white limestone, shows the condition of the 15th century, when the tower was superstructed and roofed. Inside the tower, where there is a popular cafe, one can see the original fragments of the wall dating back to the 14th century.
23.07.2014
