Description of the attraction
By some miracle, a fortress wall dating back to the 14th century has been preserved right in the center of Gdansk on the Coal Targ. Of course, restorers worked on it, but it retained its original appearance. From the north, it is adjoined by a small, massive tower called Slomiana, or Solomennaya in Russian. It gets its name from the material that covered its roof immediately after construction.
The octagonal squat tower of red brick was built in the second half of the 14th century as an additional guard post where one could keep watch and observe the surroundings. In those days, the tower was located on the western outskirts of the medieval city. Local historians are sure that it was also used as a powder store.
After some time, the fragile and unreliable thatched roof was replaced by a shingle roof. The tower acquired its modern appearance in the first half of the 15th century. It was rebuilt in accordance with the requirements of the city council at the time. Its roof has become conical, and the walls have become more massive. In the lower part of the tower, their thickness reaches 4 meters. The low height of this building is due to its purpose: for a long time the Straw Tower was considered a redoubt for a long defense.
During the devastating battles in 1945, the tower lost its top floor and roof. Only in 1950 did the magistrate find funds to restore it.
A special passage connects the Slomiana Tower with the Great Arsenal located next to it. Previously, ammunition and equipment needed for the soldiers were stored here.
The tower is currently owned by the Academy of Fine Arts.
