Powder Tower

The first mention of the Powder Tower in the ancient chronicle dates back to 1330. Its original name is Sand Road, as it was located on the Great Sand Road leading into the city. During the Middle Ages, the tower guarded the northern part of the city and was a strategic point of defense. In 1621, during the Swedish-Polish War, the tower was destroyed, but almost immediately rebuilt. Around the same time, it became known as Powder. There are several versions of the origin of the name, but the most likely is due to the fact that the tower was constantly attacked, so it was lost in the clubs of powder smoke.

During the Russian Empire, the tower was not used for its intended purpose and therefore stood abandoned. According to the plan of reconstruction of the city, all obsolete defensive structures were to be demolished, but the Powder Tower was decided to leave for posterity. A few decades later, the tower was overhauled. During the XX century, various institutions were located in the tower.

Now the building of the Powder Tower is occupied by the Military Museum.