Page:Cracow - Lepszy.djvu/72

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THE MUNICIPAL ORGANIZATION
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consoles; this was occupied by riflemen and other defenders practised in arms. Channels (called "moucharabies") between the consoles made it possible to pour down boiling pitch or water, or to throw stones on the enemy when they approached too near. Seven small turrets, surmounting the gangway, served as sentry-boxes. Access to the barbican was defended by a portcullis and a
16. BARBICAN OUTSIDE ST. FLORIAN'S GATE.
(Remains of fifteenth-century fortifications.)
drawbridge. The barbican, according to the notions of the time, was a very solid piece of fortification, which could also be used as a fortress by itself.

St. Florian's Gate (illustration 15) is a square structure fitted into the wall; above the pointed arch of the gateway there is a protruding upper story, with pitch-holes between consoles. The roofing, and the Polish eagle on the front wall, are modern. Two