Monastery Gate

Monastery Gate (known also as the Holy Spirit Gate) was constructed in the 14th c., as one of the four leading to the town from the port on the River Vistula. Despite small alterations it has been preserved in its original form, as a Gothic gate with three consecutive arched ‘bays’. The outer ‘bay’ housed a wooden portcullis, to be dropped in case of siege. Above the middle ‘bay’ was a hole through which defenders could drop heavy objects or pour ‘merciless’ hot liquid - a kind of steaming porridge (kasza) was used as it retained its heat for a long time. Therefore this hole is known as Kaszownik. The inner ‘bay’ protected the double wooden doors, additionally strengthened with metal fittings, which were closed at dusk and opened at dawn.