Гончарна вежа Pottery tower

Rating 8110

The pottery tower is an important link in the chain of eastern city fortifications. Located on a steep slope, transitioning into the steep cliffs of the canyon, at a height of 22 m from the shoreline of the river Smotrych. It was built in 1583 at the expense of the potters' shop. In the future, the potters' shop had to monitor its condition and serve during hostilities. In 1669 it was renovated. After the destruction of 1672 it was restored, but with a change in the upper part of the walls and without a roof.

The tower is brick, round in plan, with a diameter of 13 m. The outer planes of the walls have a slight positive slope and end in the upper tier with a sharp bevel. The walls at the level of the third tier are 2.5 m thick. The entrance to the tower is from the city side at the level of the third tier. Loopholes in all tiers extend in both directions with the cheeks. On the west facade, above the entrance, there is a window opening with white stone platbands, and above it a memorial plaque with the coat of arms and the date "1583".
The tower had five tiers on the outside and three on the city side. By the end of the XVII century it had a pointed roof with a watchtower. Its upper loopholes were adapted for artillery, and the lower - for small arms: muskets and pistols.

In 1960-61 it was restored. At the same time, a four-story building next to the tower was rebuilt. Now here is the restaurant "Old Fortress".