Overview:

The Tower of Kamyenyets, also known as the Kholm Gate (Polish: Kamieniec), is a historical monument and one of the oldest buildings in Belarus. It stands at the entrance to the small fortress of Kamyenyets. Built in the 15th century, the tower has been through several reconstructions and served various purposes over the centuries. Today, it houses a small museum and serves as a great tourist attraction in the area. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Belarus
Prominent Features:

The Tower of Kamyenyets, located in the town of Kamyenyets in western Belarus, is a structure of the 11th - 13th centuries that is believed to have protected the settlement from attackers and monitored the local rivers. The tower was constructed in the late 11th century and is located near the Viliya River. It is approximately 18 meters (59 feet) tall and is estimated to have been built with about 5-7 tons of stones. It has five floors and several loopholes, in addition to a spiral staircase and a small chapel in its highest room. The tower has withstood the passing of time and is still a prominent feature of the region. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belarus.

History:

Tower of Kamyenyets (Belarusian: Вышак Кам'енец, Russian: Фельдъегерская башня Каменец) is a fortified medieval stone gate tower located in the town of Kamyenyets, Grodno Region, in Western Belarus. It is one of the most significant monuments of medieval Belarusian architecture, being the largest and best preserved gate tower in all of Belarus. It has stood for around 450 years, since its construction in the mid 16th century. The Tower was built in 1564 as part of the fortress walls of Kamyenyets. The tower was part of a larger defensive system, which also included a courtyard and a barbican with walls and a drawbridge. It was intended to protect the town from Lithuanian raids. The Tower was raised using numerous stones from the ancient castle of 13th century. The Tower, which is 30 meters in height, has four stories, each with its own distinct design. The ground level of the Tower consists of a single room, while the other floors are connected by a spiral staircase. The upper story of the Tower has loopholes used for shooting at intruders. The Tower entrance is located at the front of the structure, facing the city center, and is protected by an iron door. The Tower has survived through numerous conflicts and has served as a shelter for the townsfolk during times of crisis. In the 19th century, the Tower was used as a prison. In the years following World War II, the Tower was renovated and opened to the public as a museum. In 1988, the Tower of Kamyenyets was declared a National Monument of Belarusian Architecture and History. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belarus with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Tower of Kamyenyets was constructed in the late 13th century and isbelieved to be the oldest grod or castle in the region of Belarus. 2. It served as a defensive outpost and was part of the chain of castles that guarded the border between Lithuania and the Ruthenian principalities. 3. The tower is located on the right bank of the Sozh river, and was part of the fortifications that protected the trading town of Kamenitsy. 4. During the 14th century, the tower was captured by Lithuanians and became the seat of the local magistrate. 5. In 1830, Russian tsar Ivan Pavlovich gave the town of Kamenitsy a coat of arms featuring a crowned lion holding a sword and shield. This image was carved onto the tower, which can still be seen today. 6. During World War II, the tower was used as a communications hub for the retreating German army. 7. In 1975, the tower was declared a national cultural monument and has been opened to the public as a museum. One of the historical monuments of Belarus, it tells the story of a bygone era