Świecka Gate in Chojna

Świecka Gate is one of the two surviving medieval entrance gates to Chojna. The other is the Barnkowo Gate. It was built in the 15th century, and took its name from the town of Świecie on the Oder, present-day Schwedt in Germany, in the direction of which the road led.

What it looks like

The gate stands on a square base. Brick covers most of the structure, but the base itself is of fieldstone. Above it run three rows of blind windows, the two lower ones divided by a decorative frieze. Higher up there is a defensive gallery with battlements, and the whole is crowned by a pyramid with corner turrets.

Next to the old town

Nearby stand the town hall and the St Mary's Church, so the gate is easy to see on a walk around the old town. The structure was taken over from the General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways (GDDKiA) by the County Office in Gryfino.

Practical information

• Location: Basztowa Street, Chojna.
• Built of brick on a stone base, it is one of the two surviving entrances to the former town.
• The building is entered in the heritage register.
• Whether the gate is open for entry has to be checked on the spot, because the descriptions say only how it looks from the outside.