Fortifications and ramparts to visit Poland

This magnificent red-brick wall was built in 1548, then dismantled in the 19th century before being rebuilt along with the old town after the Second World War. This complex surrounds almost half of the historic center. Walking west along the walls from the castle, a statue of a little boy dressed as a soldier, with an oversized German helmet (Pomnik Małego Powstańca z 1944 r.), pays tribute to the young insurgents.

This impressive structure was built in the second half of the ^14th century under the orders of the Teutonic Grand Master Winrich von Kniprode, as part of the city's new defense system. In 1838, a fire destroyed the roof, which was subsequently rebuilt with a new structure including a clock tower. Completely destroyed by fire and riddled with bullet holes at the end of the Second World War, the gate was finally rebuilt in the mid-1960s in its present glorious form. A monument worth discovering!

This small circular fort was added to the fortifications in the ^15th century to ensure more effective defense of the town. Now isolated in the middle of the Planty, the fort was originally linked to the Porte Florian by a corridor known as "le cou". It is one of Europe's best-preserved barbicans, a marvel of medieval military architecture. It is open to visitors and, in summer, is sometimes used as a backdrop for medieval shows (sword fights and folk dances, of questionable quality, but entertaining).

This is Paczków's main attraction. Built in the ^14th century, the ramparts have never been destroyed and still completely surround the old town. A park surrounds these fortifications - where the moat was once dug. Of the twenty-four small towers that once lined the walls, nineteen remain today. Finally, there are three large towers: Ziębice, Wrocław and Kłodzko. You can climb to the top of the Wrocław tower for a lovely overview of the city (daily 10am-5pm, 6 zł).

This imposing gateway, obviously remodeled to meet today's needs, was built in brick in the second half of the ^14th century. The gate was part of the city's defensive wall and has five storeys and a four-sided mosaic roof. In front of the building stands a metal model of pre-war Marienburg. The tower is now occupied by a jeweller's shop, a role quite different from the original one, but one that breathes a little life into a medieval ruin. The products sold make nice, inexpensive gifts.

One of the most impressive monuments in Chełmno's landscape, these authentic ramparts stretch for just over 2 km (2,270 m) and are a pleasant walk with great views of the city and its surroundings. The fortifications were built in the 13th-14th centuries to replace the old wooden walls. Originally with 25 towers, 17 of them are still perfectly preserved. Finish by walking down the hill to the edge of the Vistula River. The main entrance to the city was through Grudziądzka Street.

It marks the entrance to the old town. It dates from the 14th century. Around 1620, a Dutch Renaissance chapel with a beautiful pietà was added to it. The gate originally existed as a tower with adjacent defensive walls on both sides (in its side walls you can still see traces of passages to guard porches). There was once a municipal prison here. In 1694, a Renaissance chapel was built, thanks to which the gate avoided demolition in the 19th century.

Built in 1253 on the banks of the Vistula, it was the seat of the Teutonic authority. Today, only the ruins remain, spread over a rather suggestive green space, enclosed by the old ramparts. However, the pits and the lower part of the castle are still preserved. They are located at the base of a large octagonal tower, which gives a good idea of the imposing old brick fortress. The best preserved part is the Gdanisko tower, which was originally used as a latrine and is accessed through a suspended gallery. Sometimes cultural events are held in the cellars, which are still in good condition. From the system of walls that surrounded the city in the Middle Ages, fragments remain along the Vistula River. This system included nine gates, of which only three remain. The Monastery Gate (Brama Klasztorna), built in the 15th century in the Gothic style, takes its name from the Benedictine monastery that was located here. The Bridge Gate (Brama Mostowa) was built in 1432. Previously, there was a bridge in front of the gate that connected the two banks of the Vistula, hence the name. The Sailors' Tower was built in the mid-14th century of red brick, which is typical of Toruń architecture. It is located at the end of Żeglarska Street, which leads to the banks of the Vistula River, where before there was the port. In addition to its defensive role, it was in this tower that Polish kings visiting the city were welcomed.

Built between 1725 and 1727, it is one of the city's few Prussian Classicist monuments. It goes hand in hand with the Port Gate. It features war trophies, Mars as an allegory of war and Hercules as an allegory of heroism. The initials of King Frederick William ^I can be seen in a cartouche with the Prussian eagle. The laurel wreath symbolizes triumph; the shield, honor; the palm leaves, virtue; and the olive leaves, peace. Today, there's a café in the doorway.