Grodzka Tower



It was built in the 15th century as one of 36 bastel houses used to reinforce the city walls. But its career as a defensive facility did not last long as in the 17th century it was adapted for housing purposes. In the next century it lost its initial use completely, was reconstructed and went into private hands. It was occupied by several tradesmen but also by very important citizens, i.e. a postmaster or a city doctor.

 
After 1945 it housed council flats and since the 1970s it hosted cultural institutions, among others Dom Związków Twórczych (Creative Artist Societies’ House), the editorial office of the ‘Karkonosze’ monthly, and the Tourist and Cultural Information Centre. At present there are various art workshops organized in the tower (glass smelting, stained glass, drawing and painting).
 
In its present form, the tower is connected to a trame - construction building. There are a few architectonical details inbuilt into the tower walls. One of them is a unique Baroque portal with a date 1679 engraved on it.
 
Going further down Grodzka Street, we reach the heart of Jelenia Góra – the old Market Place. This is the place where for centuries the most important communication routes crossed and where trade, cultural and social life flourished. Today’s Town Hall Square is as representative venue,  host to cultural events, restaurants and numerous shops placed under the tenement houses’ arcades.
 

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