Seklerska Gate Tarnów
The gate symbolises Poland and Hungary's shared history and national hero. It is named after Józef Bem and Sandor Petöfi. The Székelys Gate comes from the word Székelys (siculi), which has a number of meanings, including ‘people’, ‘nation’, and ‘mission to guard the southeastern borders of the Kingdom of Hungary’. It is worth mentioning that until the 14th century, the term Székelys – siculitas – was treated on a par with nobility.
Richly carved Székelys gates, such as the one in Tarnów, mainly were made from good-quality oak. The gates are masterpieces of carpentry, while the arrangements of ornaments, carved flower motifs, moustaches and various symbols are reflections of another, ancient, magical world. The gate is located close to Tarnów Old Town. Traditional Székelys hospitality does not allow the gate to be closed. It stands open to all, to the fortunate and the unfortunate alike, and represents the open-hearted philanthropic Székelys. The inscriptions engraved on the arches of the gates want to express: ‘Peace to those entering, blessings to those leaving.’