Due to the well-preserved defensive walls, Szydlow is often called the Polish Carcassonne. Even if it is a bit outdated, it is definitely fortified city, which also includes the gothic Krakow Gate is one of the most beautiful in the country. Restored in the middle of the twentieth century, the Krakowska Gate is a great example of medieval defense art.
Construction of the city walls owes Szydlow to Kazimierz the Great. They were nearly 1100 meters in length, and thanks to the connection with the castle they became one of the greatest fortresses built in the Middle Ages on the border of Małopolska and Silesia. They had three gates, Opatowska, Wodna and Krakowska. Until now, only the last one survived. In the 19th century, the ruined walls and gates were put up for sale. A large part of the fortifications was then demolished and treated as a source of building material. Four large fragments survived and the Krakow Gate.
After renovation, they are one of the biggest tourist attractions of Szydlow. The Cracow Gate is a Gothic building, with a Renaissance attic and two round towers. A square front arch with a pointed entrance opens against the front of her forehead. In the past, it served to strengthen the defense of the building.
Attractions inside
