Town Hall Tower in Krakow – A Majestic Remainder of a Once-Dignified Building

A Miniture of the Town Hall Tower in Krakow

Krakow Town Hall Tower

The Town Hall Tower in Krakow is one of the most distinctive buildings in Krakow’s Old Town and the second highest tower after the higher tower of St. Mary’s Basilica. Interestingly, the lower tower of St. Mary’s Basilica is just 1m lower than the Town Hall Tower. But enough of comparing tower measurements…

The history of the Town Hall Tower begins in the late 13th and early 14th century. The first town hall was probably built around 1300. It is certain that the town hall was already standing in Krakow by 1316, because thistorical sources from that year mention the Krakow town hall for the first time.

Throughout the ages, the town hall and its tower were rebuilt and redeveloped almost a dozen times. As expected, the town hall was one of the most representative and notable buildings in the city and indeed the whole country. Needless to say, Krakow was the capital of Poland until 1795, so its town hall was majestic at that time.

After the fall of Poland in the late 18th century, Krakow was occupied by the Austrians. The new rulers of the city demolished the town hall between 1817 and 1820 and left only the tower. Nowadays the Town Hall Tower is the symbol of the might and pride of these times, a a few centuries ago now. It is also one of the branches of the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow and everyone is welcome to enter and leave a mark in the fine history of that place.

Typical Statue Beneath the Town Hall Tower

 Town Hall Tower Info

Town Hall Tower Krakow

Address: Rynek Glowny 1, 31-001 Krakow.

Map ref: 50.061418, 19.936504

Opening hours: You can view the exterior of the town hall tower 365 days a year and 24 hours a day. The museum is open from March ‘till December. Opening hours: March Mon-Sun 10:30am-5pm,  Apr-Oct Mon-Sun 10:30am-6pm,, Nov-Dec Mon-Sun 12am-6pm.

Cost: Exterior sightseeing is free, of course. Tickets are required for the museum inside: regular 8 PLN, concessionary 6 PLN, groups&schools 4,5 PLN, families 16 PLN.

More information: http://www.mhk.pl/branches/town-hall-tower

Images by Mateusz Świercz for Absolute Tours