The graduation towers in Ciechocinek, located in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship, are the largest complex of brine graduation towers in Europe. Erected in the 19th century, this complex is not only an architectural marvel but also an important point on the tourist and health map of Poland. Together with the salt brewhouse and the Tężniowy and Zdrojowy parks, the graduation towers have been included on the list of Historical Monuments.
The Ciechocinek graduation towers were designed by Jakub Graff, a professor at the Mining Academy in Kielce, based on the brine springs discovered in the 18th century. The first two graduation towers (number I and II) were built between 1824 and 1828, and the third (number III) in 1859. These structures are based on approximately 7,000 oak piles and a spruce-pine wooden structure, filled with blackthorn, over which the brine flows.
Graduation towers in Ciechocinek, 1939. Source: szukajwarchiwach.gov.pl, NAC ref. no. 3/131/0/-/53/7
The graduation towers are the second stage in the salt production process, where the concentration of brine is gradually increased. The lowest concentration is at graduation tower I (9%), while the highest concentration is at graduation tower II (30%). The brine from the graduation towers is then sent to the salt brewing plant, where salt, sludge and medicinal lye are produced. The Ciechocinek graduation towers also function as a natural inhalatorium. The 5.8% brine, pumped from spring 11 (the Grzybek fountain), creates a microclimate around the graduation towers rich in iodine, sodium, chlorine and bromine, which contributes to the health of visitors.
One of the graduation towers in 1939 and 2023. Photo: szukajwarchiwach.gov.pl, NAC Reference No. 3/131/0/-/53/44 and Henryk Bielamowicz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
In 2017, the complex of graduation towers and salt works, together with the parks, was included in the list of Historical Monuments. In 2019, Uzdrowisko Ciechocinek received PLN 15 million from European funds for the renovation of the graduation tower, which was part of a project with a total cost of PLN 21.6 million. The project included the refurbishment of graduation towers 1 and 3, the replacement of structural elements, the strengthening of the foundations and the modernisation of the brine pumping station building. Horticultural works and the installation of the graduation tower illumination were also part of the project.
The modernisation work began in March 2020 and was planned until December 2021. The first stage was the refurbishment of graduation tower No. 3, and in September 2020 work began on graduation tower No. 1. Thanks to these works, the graduation towers in Ciechocinek not only retain their historical and architectural values, but also gain modern facilities that attract even more tourists and visitors.
The graduation towers in Ciechocinek are a unique and valuable monument that combine rich history, health values and modern infrastructure, contributing to the development of tourism and the spa reputation of the region.
Source: ciechocinek.pl, badge.kuj-pom.bydgoszcz.pttk.pl
Read also: Architecture in Poland | Monuments | History | Health | Wood | Interesting facts
