Opatów Gate in Sandomierz

A visit to the vantage point at the Opatowska Gate is an ideal solution for those who want to see the monuments in Sandomierz from a perspective other than their own legs or the passenger seat of one of the melex passing narrow streets.

The Opatowska Gate is the only surviving gate from the entire system of medieval fortifications surrounding Sandomierz. Why is the gate standing in Sandomierz called Opatów? Because it was oriented towards the road leading to Opatów at that time. Similarly, other, no longer existing gates - Zawichojska, Krakowska and Lubelska - led to these cities.

The construction of the gate was divided into several stages - in the 15th century, the gate was extended, and in the 16th century it was covered with a decorative Renaissance attic. Currently, the gate is about 30 meters high. Interestingly, the walls at its base are more than 2 meters thick, and they narrow to 0.6 meters as they run upwards. Today, walking up the comfortable wooden stairs, it is hard to believe that in the past there were only narrow platforms at the arrowslits, which were reached by the staff using a clever system of ladders and ropes. The current stairs are the result of the renovation of the gate in the 20th century.

Thanks to the exhibition inside the building, you will get to know the Sandomierz land, its attractions and the greatest treasure - striped flint. Why it is worth taking the trouble of a short climb, however, is at the very top of the gate. From the vantage point there is an extraordinary view of the Old Town of Sandomierz. You will easily recognize the town hall, and further - the soaring spire of the cathedral and the somewhat squat edifice of the castle. You will also see the Vistula, and behind it - in good weather - Tarnobrzeg and Stalowa Wola.