History

The tower comprised an element of stone fortifications which replaced the former wood-and-earth defensive structure in the early 15th century. The defensive system consisted of a brick wall with half-shell towers and two gates: the Nyska Gate to the north and the Prudnicka Gate to the south with an adjacent square tower, as well as with a rampart and moat. Originally integrated with the fortifications and stand-alone since the 19th century, the tower served as an observation post, jail, and armory. In 1745 the outer wooden stairs collapsed, consequently, the upper tower levels were no longer used.

Description

The tower sits in the south part of Biała, by the road in the direction of Prudnik. Formerly integrated with the gate and defensive walls, today the structure is a stand-alone building. This brick, five-storey building on the square plan, resting on a field stone foundation, is topped with a shingled, hipped roof in the shape of a spire. The 2-metre-thick walls of brick with the Gothic bond are topped by arched, plastered blind windows and arcade frieze. There are narrow windows on two levels. The opening in the west wall is larger - probably it served as the entry to the armory. The walls reveal numerous traces of past repairs and transformations.

The building is not used and is closed to visitors.

Compiled by Joanna Szot, Regional Branch of the National Heritage Board of Poland in Opole, 10-01-2015.

Bibliography

• Eysymontt J., Studium historyczno-architektoniczne murów miejskich, Wrocław 1974, mps, Archiwum Wojewódzkiego Urzedu Ochrony Zabytków w Opolu.
• Chrząszcz J., (red), Geschichte der Stadt Zülz in Oberschlesien, Zülz 1926.