Archonatti Bastion in Lwówek Śląski

The Archonatti Bastion is a surviving fragment of the fortifications of Lwówek Śląski, designed in the mid-16th century by the Italian architect Hieronim Archonatti the Elder of Milan.

Construction and dimensions

The bastion is about 30 metres long and 9 metres wide, and its wall is between 1 and 1.5 metres thick. The building's current height is about 3 metres, the result of the former town moat having been filled in.

Defensive function

The bastion was built as part of the evolution of the town's military fortifications, adapted to firearms and artillery. The rounded, narrow front of the building was designed to provide better protection against projectiles than earlier, angular fortification solutions.

State of preservation

The building fell into decline between the 17th and 19th centuries. In 1935 conservation work was carried out that restored the defensive walls, although the reconstruction of the fortification fragment by the Lubań Gate did not preserve the original proportions. The bastion is listed in the heritage register under number 338, since 13 November 1956, and stands on Aleja Wojska Polskiego, within the old town area.

Practical information

• Location: Lwówek Śląski, Lwówek County
• The site is a fragment of the former town walls, viewed from the outside
• Nearby, within a few hundred metres, is the Market Square in Lwówek Śląski
• Close by also stands the Lubań Gate Tower, another element of the former fortifications
• In the same area is the Museum of Lower Silesian Brewing