Prisoners' Tower

The Prisoners' Tower, also known as the Small Gunpowder Tower or Kowalska Tower, is located in Stargard and was built at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries in the southern part of the city's fortifications, overlooking the Ina River. It features a cylindrical shape, stands 13 meters tall, and has a circular stone foundation. The interior of the tower is divided into four levels, each equipped with gun ports, indicating its military function. The ground floor of the tower once had arcades that allowed for simultaneous firing from multiple levels. Associated with its name, there are speculations that it was historically used to hold prisoners, making it an intriguing structure from a historical perspective. Along with St. Mary's Collegiate Church and the remaining defensive walls, the tower was designated a historical monument by decree of the President of Poland on September 17, 2010. Interestingly, a similar tower, the Kowalska Tower, was dismantled in 1871, which influenced the current naming. In 2004, the structure was transferred to the Brotherhood of the Knights of St. John by the Society of Friends of Stargard, which, in collaboration with the Stargard Museum, is carrying out conservation work on this historic building. The Prisoners' Tower is a significant part of Stargard's cultural heritage, serving as both a tourist attraction and a symbol of the city's history.