Bastion in Olkusz

The Bastion in Olkusz is a reconstructed bastion within the former town walls, not far from the Market Square and the basilica. It has no name of its own and is one of more than a dozen bastions that fortified Olkusz.

History

According to Wikipedia the bastion was probably built in the 14th century, when the town's wooden fortifications were being replaced by masonry ones, during the reign of Casimir the Great. In the 15th century it was raised, extended and given a roof. Originally it was a half-bastion crowned with crenellation.

As a result of mining activity the structure fell into ruin and was demolished before the middle of the 18th century. Its foundations were uncovered by chance in 1968, and in 1971 the bastion was rebuilt to a design by Janusz Bogdanowski.

Nearby

The bastion lies in the centre, a few dozen metres from the museums: the PTTK Regional Museum and Underground Olkusz.

Practical information

• Location: the centre of Olkusz, by a fragment of the town walls near the Market Square.
• The bastion is viewed from the outside. The sources do not say whether it is possible to go inside.