Wałowa Gate

Wałowa Gate is a medieval city gate located in Stargard, in Western Pomerania. It was built in 1439 in the northeastern part of the city fortifications, on Bolesław Chrobry Street. It is one of the four medieval gates of the city and a unique example of a blend of Renaissance style with Gothic elements, being the only such gate in the region. In 2010, it was designated as a historical monument, highlighting its cultural significance. Originally, Wałowa Gate had an extensive foregate, which was dismantled in 1780. After World War II, the gate was rebuilt, and its Renaissance sections were reconstructed. Today, the gate houses an art gallery, giving it a new cultural function. Architecturally, the gate takes the form of an irregular rectangle measuring 10x11 meters, with a height of 19.4 meters. It features a gable roof adorned with a 17th-century spire. Constructed from brick and decorative blind windows (blends), its upper section was extended in the 16th century, resulting in the addition of bands of curtain-style blends. Its aesthetic is enriched by pilasters, cornices, and semicircular blind window closures. The pointed arch gateway, with remnants of a portcullis slot, reflects the historical character of the structure. An interesting fact is that after the war, the rooms above the pointed arch passage housed a clinic specializing in driver examinations. Surrounded by views of residential estates and the city walls, Wałowa Gate is not only a testament to Stargard's past but also a place where art and contemporary history coexist.