Description of the attraction
The Polish Gate is a unique hydraulic engineering and fortification structure in Kamyanets-Podolsk, which at one time served simultaneously as a city gate, a defensive tower, and a dam. The well-known military engineer Pretvich, who at that time was engaged in the reconstruction of the Kamenets-Podolsk fortress, took part in their construction.
The gate is located in the northwestern part of the Old City. In terms of the system of its defensive structures, the Polish Gate resembles the Russian Gate. They defended the entrance to the Old Town from Polish farms in the 16th and 17th century. Together with five towers, which were connected by walls, the total length of the defensive structures reached 180 meters, they crossed the river canyon with a broken line. Two towers were on the left bank, and the other three were on the right. The wall or dam, which crossed the channel of the Smotrych River, had at its base two locks, which, in case of danger, completely blocked the course of the river and created a water barrier for all attackers. In ordinary times, the dam was used in order to maintain a high water level in the river above the city.
The Gate Tower was fortified the most, because through it the entrance to the city was carried out. At the end of the 16th century, a large number of floods destroyed the dam, but the Rock, Gate, Coastal Towers and the Barbican have survived to this day. In the 19th century, they were transferred to blacksmiths and after that they were called the Blacksmith Towers.
On the opposite bank of the river, the Wall Tower is quite clearly visible, which today is located on a private territory.
From the Polish Gate, you can freely climb to the famous Peter and Paul Church along the steep stairs of Farengolts.
