The Prison Tower in Racibórz

The Prison Tower in Racibórz, built in the Renaissance style around 1574, is an impressive example of defensive architecture. Initially, it likely had only three walls, open toward the city, but it now features four walls and a robust cornice supporting an attic with keyhole embrasures. The structure has a rectangular layout and is reinforced with four square corner turrets. A section of the former defensive walls has also been preserved. In addition to its defensive role, the tower served as a detention site, including for master butchers in the 17th century accused of price gouging. The cultural significance of this place is underscored by the fact that convicts were held in its "cold room," which was strewn with straw. The tower underwent several renovations; the most recent took place in the 1990s when the plaster was removed from its northern side. On the occasion of Racibórz's 900th anniversary in 2008, the tower became a key element of the celebration's logo. An interesting fact is that on May 7, 2007, the National Bank of Poland issued a two-złoty coin featuring the tower, highlighting its importance in the city's history. Efforts to make the site accessible to tourists were initiated by the Association *Drengowie znad Górnej Odry* (The Men of Valor from the Upper Oder), reflecting Racibórz's growing cultural and tourism development. The tower's image is also part of the city's logo, enhancing its recognizability on the map of Poland.