About This Location
The Town Hall Tower is the lone survivor of Kraków’s old Town Hall, standing on the western side of the Main Market Square. The main building was demolished in 1820, but the tower was spared - so what looks like a standalone landmark is actually the last piece of the city’s former seat of power. The tower was built of brick and stone at the end of the 14th century and rises about 70 meters. A fun detail most people miss: it has a slight lean of around 55 centimeters, said to be the result of a powerful storm in 1703. At the entrance, notice the two stone lions - added in the early 19th century - guarding the steps like quiet sentries. And beneath the tower is a darker chapter: its cellars once held a city prison, remembered for a medieval torture chamber. For those who want a quick climb, there are about 110 stone steps to the viewing level. The reward is one of the best angles over the Cloth Hall and the full sweep of the square. The tower is also a branch of the Museum of Kraków, with displays that help imagine the Town Hall that used to fill this part of the market.