Piast Tower in Opole

The Piast Tower in Opole is a round, free-standing structure dating back to the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries, considered one of the oldest examples of defensive architecture in Poland. It was built during the reign of Duke Bolko I of Opole, originally serving as the keep of the ducal castle, and its inauguration took place around 1300, although some studies suggest later dates. The structure stands out for its solid brick construction, set on a deep stone foundation. The walls of the tower at the base are up to 3 meters thick, making it a modern fortification for its time. Originally, access to the tower was through a narrow entrance, now bricked up, which led to a high wooden gallery. Inside, various rooms were housed, such as dungeons, a kitchen, and a guardroom. Throughout history, the tower survived numerous destructions, including a major fire in 1615 and another fire in 1739, yet its structure remained stable. For years, the tower was threatened with demolition, but thanks to the involvement of local residents, it was saved, while the Piast Castle was dismantled in 1928. The tower’s spire was rebuilt several times; in 1957, an 11-meter polygonal spire was added, and in 1962, a spire with a Piast eagle was installed. The tower has experienced settling, resulting in a slight tilt of about 1.5 degrees. Between 2011 and 2014, it underwent a thorough renovation and was reopened to visitors. It can be visited from Monday to Friday and on weekends, with a tour lasting about 30 minutes, including guided stories and a multimedia presentation. It is also worth noting that in the immediate vicinity of the tower, remains of Slavic settlements from the 10th and 11th centuries have been discovered during the construction of modern buildings, adding archaeological context to this historic structure.