The Royal Gate in Stettin

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Royal Gate (German: Königstor, Anklamer Tor) – One of Szczecin’s historic city gates, located at Hołd Pruski Square (intersection of Jana Matejki Street and Polish Soldier Square). Built between 1725-1728 to commemorate Prussia’s takeover of the city, it was designed by Dutch fortification engineer Gerhard Cornelius van Wallrave (who also redesigned fortresses in Kłodzko and Magdeburg). Like the Port Gate, it replaced part of the medieval city walls.

Originally named Anklamer Tor after the town of Anklam (Polish: Nakło nad Pianą), postwar translations sometimes called it “Anklam Gate” or “Nakło Gate.” It was also temporarily known as “Prussian Homage Gate” after its square. The gate served both defensive and decorative purposes in Szczecin’s Prussian fortification system.

The gate’s most remarkable features are the sculpted pediments by Bartholome Damarat, court sculptor to Prussian King Frederick William I. These depict Mars with sword and shield, Hercules with club and lion skin, and a military trophy with Prussia’s eagle shield surrounded by the Order of the Black Eagle chain and crowned with a royal crown. The elaborate armament carvings (weapons, armor, shields) reference Roman triumphal arches where spoils of war were displayed.

During WWII, the decorations were removed and hidden in Arkoński Forest Park while the gate itself was camouflaged with ivy. The sculptures were rediscovered in 1957 and reinstalled. Restored in 1994, the gate has housed an art gallery, the “Brama Jazz Cafe” (since 2000), and since November 8, 2017, a Wedel chocolate café.

The Royal Gate (Nakło Gate) is listed as a historic monument (No. A-791, June 11, 1954).