Quote: One of the most interesting buildings in Słupsk is the Witches Tower (Baszta Czarownic). My granddaughter was excited when we told her we were going to take a walk along the river to find the tower. One of her bedtime stories is Baba Aga; a story about a witch. We had to explain that there wouldn’t be any witches in the building but it was once somewhere where witches resided. When I say resided I mean it served as a prison in the 17th century for women accused of witchcraft. Very often women were put on trial and condemned to death. The last burning of a witch was in the year of 1701. We couldn’t tell my granddaughter this morbid information in full as she is only three years old and wouldn’t comprehend.

The original tower was built in the 15th century and rebuilt later on in the 17th century. The building that you see now is a mix match of styles and I was a little disappointed that the tower was short and fat rather than tall and slim. I just expected a tower to stand reaching the clouds. In fact this tower reminds me of an old mill or farm building you would come across in Brittany or Normandy. Made from red brick with a slate roof and only small thin slits of windows to see out of, I can imagine that this was a dreary place to be imprisoned especially in a freezing Polish winter. The tower is attached to another paler builder built in Art Deco style which is interesting and attractive. This building also has very small windows.

The Witches tower is in a pleasant location at the side of the River Słupia. There is a walkway at the side used by residents who like to walk their dogs and visitors. I noticed several litter bins placed along the walkway; always an encouraging sign as I don’t like to see litter in this environment or anywhere come to think of it. I also spotted from a distance the black metal witch sitting on a broomstick on top of the red brick tower.I pointed it out to my granddaughter and she smiled and said, ‘Baba Aga.’ This walkway at night could be quite lonely so it is a good idea that the local council has placed tall lamps along the path.

Looking at the bottom of both buildings I could see clouds of dampness rising higher into the structure of the building. Perhaps the river is prone to flooding. There are several stone steps with ornamental black railings on either side leading to the entrance of the tower which now houses an Art Gallery exhibiting Baltic Contemporary Art. At the back of the building is a residential area.

I would definitely recommend a walk along the river to view the Witches Tower. It’s an interesting building with a touch of history. It’s a shame that there wasn’t an exhibition inside explaining about the history of witches in Słupsk. Close by are other sightseeing attractions like the Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes and the Mill Gate.