Barbican - Definition and Overview

Barbican (from mediæval Latin barbecana) - a fortified outpost or gateway, such as an outer defence to a city or castle and any tower situated over a gate or bridge which was used for defence purposes. Usually barbicans were situated outside of the main line of defences and connected to the city walls with a walled road called the neck.

Barbican of Warsaw

In 15th century, with the improvement in siege tactics and artillery, barbicans lost their significance. However, several barbicans were built even in 16th century.

There are barbicans still preserved in:

• Czech Republic
  • Český Krumlov
• Hungary
  • Pécs
  • Siklos
• Poland
  Barbican in Kraków
  • Cracow (Barbican of Cracow)
  • Warsaw (Barbican of Warsaw)
  • Bolczów Castle
  • Włocławek
  • Frombork
• Slovakia
  • Banska Bystrica
  • Kremnica
• United Kingdom
  • Chepstow Castle
  • Durham Castle
  • Goodrich Castle
  • Hadleigh Castle
  • Pembroke Castle
  • Warwick Castle
  • City of York; Walmgate Bar

There is also the Barbican Estate and Barbican Arts Centre, both in London.

The Barbican is also the name of the historic harbour area in Plymouth, Devon.

See also:

• Pembroke Castle (http://www.castlewales.com/pembroke.html)
• Barbican of Cracow (http://www.cracow-life.com/guide/Krakow_Old_Town/Barbican.php)
• Barbican of Pecs (http://community.webshots.com/photo/83302865/83331138aIqVtu)
• Warwick Castle (http://www.cv81pl.freeserve.co.uk/warwick.htm)
• Durham Castle (http://www.dur.ac.uk/university-college.www/Photos/barbican.jpg)
• Barbican in Warsaw (http://www.darrellpeck.com/travel/1998-east-europe/images/018-barbican.jpg)
• Chepstow Castle (http://www.chepstowe.co.uk/castle.html)
• Goodrich Castle (http://www.schools.bedfordshire.gov.uk/schools/gilbert/nsmhistory/goodrich2.htm)
• Hadleigh Castle (http://www.kingston.ac.uk/~ku00323/landslid/hadleigh.htm)
• Siklos Castle barbican (http://www.tancsics-siklos.sulinet.hu/var/kulso/barbakan.htm)