Powder Tower in Chojna

This is one of the most recognizable towers in Chojna, dating back to the Middle Ages. Built in the 14th century, it also served a defensive function. Over time, it served as a prison where convicts were held. Its most famous prisoner was Wilhelm von Holsten, commander of the Order of St. John from Rurka, who was kidnapped by the townspeople of Chojna in 1373 during a conflict with the order. Initially treated with respect, he was later imprisoned in this tower. Keeping him in the dungeon became part of a wide-ranging conflict that required the intervention of the Pope and Emperor Charles IV of Luxembourg. The tower, built of brick, has three storeys, of which the lower one served as a prison for criminals, and the upper ones served defensive functions. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the tower was gradually rebuilt, and its defensive role disappeared. Despite this, its appearance, especially halfway up, is still visible in the contemporary landscape of Chojna. In 2010, access to the interior was bricked up due to the poor condition of the building.The defensive walls that surrounded the city in the 13th-14th centuries have survived to this day in 50%, together with two gates and numerous lookouts.

The tower is officially called the Gunpowder Tower. In the first half of the 14th century, the lower, stone and brick part was built on the city side. In the 15th century, the tower was expanded with a semicircular part protruding outside the walls and topped with a roof in the form of a brick cone. Inside, there were 3 storeys, of which the lower one, located on the ground floor, served as a prison dungeon. In 1733, the tower was designated as a gunpowder warehouse - hence the name Gunpowder Tower. At the end of the 19th century, it was renovated and served as a warehouse. It is currently closed and unused.