The Town Hall Tower in Krakow is one of the most recognisable symbols of the city and an integral part of the Main Square. Built of red brick, it rises to a height of over 70 metres and offers one of the best vantage points of the Old Town panorama. Although the Town Hall itself was demolished in the 19th century, the tower has survived and is now a branch of the Krakow Museum. It is the ideal place for those who want to combine a history lesson with an admiration of the cityscape.
History of the City Hall Tower in Krakow ๐๏ธ
The Town Hall in Krakow is first mentioned in the 13th century. The tower, which is an integral part of it, was built towards the end of that century. Its purpose was to serve as a watchtower and as a representative structure.
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In 1680, the tower was severely damaged by a storm, causing it to tilt slightly - it still tilts about 55 cm to the south-west. In the 19th century, by decision of the Austrian authorities, the main town hall building was demolished, leaving only the tower as a reminder of the old days
The tower has undergone restoration several times - in the 20th century a clock was added, the faรงade was renovated and the structure was strengthened. It is now open to the public as part of the Krakow Museum's exhibition and a testament to the city's centuries-old history.
Location and map ๐
The Town Hall Tower is located in the heart of Krakow:
- Address: Market Square 1, 31-042 Krakรณw
- Map: Click here to open in Google Maps
It is an excellent landmark and the perfect place to start your tour of the Old Town. The tower is located right next to the Cloth Hall, making it very easy to find.
How to get there?
- ๐ On foot: A walk through Krakรณw's Old Town leads straight to the Market Square
- ๐ Tram/bus: The nearest stops are "Plac Wszystkich ลwiฤtych", "Teatr Bagatela" and "Poczta Gลรณwna".
- ๐ด By bicycle or scooter: very easy to reach, numerous bicycle and electric vehicle racks in the area
Access and parking ๐
For tourists arriving by car:
- ๐ง Nearest paid car parks:
- Underground car park at Galeria Krakowska (approx. 10 minutes' walk)
- Parking on Karmelicka Street
- Parking on Poselska Street
โฐ Paid parking zone (Old Town) - difficulties in finding a space in high season
Accessibility for people with disabilities:
โ With no lift and a winding, narrow staircase, the tower entrance is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.
Opening hours and seasonality ๐
The tower is open through all year, with the exception of Mondays:
- โฐ Tuesday - Sunday: 10:30 - 18:00
- โ Monday: closed
There is no division between summer and winter seasons, although views may be limited by the weather in winter.
Is it worth coming early?
Definitely yes - you will find larger organised groups and tourists during the afternoon hours. The morning hours are ideal for quiet sightseeing and taking photos without crowds.
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Ticket prices for the City Hall Tower in Krakow ๐๏ธ
- ๐ต Normal ticket: 20 PLN
- ๐ธ Concessionary ticket: PLN 15 (children, students, seniors)
Do you need to book tickets?
โ No need to book - Tickets can be purchased on site or online. Booking is not required, although it is advisable to come early in high season.
Purchase tickets online:
๐ Official website of the Krakow Museum: mnk.pl
Free days or hours:
On certain days the museum offers free entries - mostly outside the tourist season. See the museum website for details.
Who is this attraction for? ๐งโ๐คโ๐ง
The Town Hall Tower can be a fascinating spot for many groups of visitors, but not every person will find their way there equally well. Here is a practical guide:
- Families with children ๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง: For older children, it is an excellent opportunity to learn about history and enjoy the city skyline. For toddlers, however, it can be tiring - the narrow, steep stairs without a lift require good fitness.
- Seniors ๐ต: Older people should assess their fitness - the lack of a lift and more than 100 stairs can be a barrier.
- People with disabilities โฟ: Unfortunately, the tower is not wheelchair accessible. There is no lift or ramp.
- Individual tourists ๐ง: An ideal place to explore at your own pace - without a guide, with the opportunity to explore on your own.
- Foreign tourists ๐: Information is available in English - it is advisable to visit the museum's website in advance to download brochures or an audio guide, if available.
During the summer season, exhibitions with materials in different languages are also possible - ask the staff at the checkout.
What's worth seeing locally? ๐
A visit to the Town Hall Tower is not just about climbing the stairs. Several points of interest await inside and at the top:
- Viewpoint ๐ญ: This is the highlight of any visit. From a height of over 70 metres you can see the entire Main Market Square, St. Mary's Church, Wawel Castle and the rooftops of the Old Town. In good weather, you can even see the Tatra Mountains!
- Tower clock ๐ฐ๏ธ: The historic clock mechanism is one of the few installations of its kind in Krakรณw. It used to regulate the daily lives of the inhabitants - today it is a silent witness to times gone by.
- Temporary exhibitions ๐ผ๏ธ: The Krakow Museum often organises temporary exhibitions that present the history of the city, the life of the bourgeoisie or the history of the tower itself.
- Preserved Gothic elements ๐งฑ: Stone walls, vaults, wooden elements - everything reflects the character of medieval Krakow.
- Inside the tower ๐ฏ๏ธ: The austere, historic interior with its narrow staircase and semi-darkness creates a unique atmosphere. It is more than just a viewpoint - it is a journey back in time.
Interesting facts and legends about the town hall tower ๐
For many tourists, it is the curiosities and legends that give the place its soul. And the Town Hall Tower has quite a few of them:
- Tower tilt ๐: Few people know that the tower is deflected from the vertical by about 55 cm! The reason was a massive storm in 1680.
- Former observation post ๐: City guards were on duty in the tower, keeping an eye on the city - whether an enemy was approaching or a fire had broken out.
- The legend of heaven's punishment โก: According to one urban legend, the storm that damaged the tower was a punishment for the greed of the town councillors.
- Live tower ๐ท: Thanks to the webcams set up on the market square, the tower is almost constantly featured in live broadcasts from Krakow.
https://www.webcamera.pl/kamera/krakow1
Photos and multimedia ๐ธ
- Own photographs: You are free to take photos inside the tower and from the observation deck. Please note - no flash.
- Online galleries: The Krakow Museum publishes photos of the tower's exhibitions and interiors on its website and social media.
- Drone video: You'll find bird's-eye shots of the tower on YouTube and in the tourist media - particularly striking at sunset.
- Virtual walk: While there is no official 360ยฐ walk, you can find amateur footage on TikTok and Instagram.
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What's in the area? ๐ฝ๏ธ
After visiting the tower, take a break and plan further attractions. In the immediate surroundings you will find everything you need:
- Restaurants and cafes โ: Right next door are local classics: the New Province, Cafe Camelot or the Grey Goose - perfect for coffee or lunch.
- Tourist attractions ๐๏ธ: Within a 5-minute walking radius are: Clothworkers, St Mary's Church, Rynek Underground, Krzysztofory Palace, Dom Jana Matejki.
- Souvenir shops ๐: In the Cloth Hall and around the Market Square you will find everything from traditional crafts to magnets.
- Public toilets ๐ป: They are located in the Cloth Hall and at the entrance to the Market Underground - particularly useful for longer visits with children.
Practical tips ๐
If you want to get the most out of your visit, remember a few key tips:
- Tour time โฑ๏ธ: On average 30-60 minutes - depending on the pace and interest of the exhibitions.
- Time of visit ๐: It is best to turn up first thing in the morning or late afternoon. The tower can be crowded at midday.
- Photos ๐ธ: Allowed, but without flash. Ideal light: around 11am or just before closing time.
- Outfit ๐: Comfortable shoes a must - narrow, steep staircases can be a pain.
- Sound ๐: It is not necessary to be completely silent, but it is worth respecting others - especially in the exhibition rooms.
Contact information and sources ๐
- Phone: 12 426 43 34
- Website: mnk.pl - The Town Hall Tower
- Google Maps: See location
- Social media: no separate profile for the tower, but information appears on the Krakow Museum's profiles
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