Weavers' Tower in Chojnów

The Weavers' Tower, located in Chojnów, is a Gothic tower believed to have been built around 1400, utilizing bricks consistent with those used in the construction of the local parish church at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries. The first mention of Tkacka Street, where the tower stands, dates back to 1398, while the oldest document confirming the existence of the structure is from 1572. The tower was part of the town's fortifications and was assigned to the weavers' guild, which had existed in Chojnów since 1332. In the 16th century, a prison was established inside the tower. In 1631, following a decision by the town council, citizens evading tax payments were imprisoned there, sparking public discontent and leading to complaints against the authorities. The tower also served as a refuge during times of danger; in 1642, residents hid there during a Swedish invasion, a testament to its robust construction. Over the centuries, the tower underwent multiple reconstructions after fires, including between 1651 and 1692, when it acquired its distinctive octagonal turret, and again in 1749. The first reconstruction was funded by a donation from a local weaver, and its crowning feature—a dome—was financed by an imperial captain. In 1903, the tower was chosen to house the town's first museum, which opened after renovations in 1908 as the Museum of Antiquities. Although the museum was relocated to another building in 1933, the Weavers' Tower remains a significant historical and architectural landmark in the region and is listed in the register of monuments. Also known as Weberturm, the Weavers' Tower is not only a valuable example of medieval architecture but also a site rich in social and cultural history.