Town Hall Tower

This 70-metre tower is the only remaining element of Kraków’s Town Hall complex. Dating back to the 14th century, numerous additions, fires and renovations had the buildings looking like a bit of a hodgepodge by the early 19th century and locals were calling for their removal. In 1817 the decision was taken to tear down a granary attached to the Town Hall, but during the demolition the Town Hall proper was damaged and apparently one thing led to another. To get an idea of what it looked like when it was torn down, find the small metal model on the west side of the tower.

Today the 14th-century Town Hall Tower stands as a prime example of Polish Gothic architecture, and few realise that it actually leans some 55cm, a curiosity credited to a particularly forceful wind back in 1703. As a museum (closed from November-February), the Town Hall Tower offers little aside from some medieval costumes, black and white photos, information about the clock at its top, decent views, and lots of stairs. With the balconies off limits, you can take some so-so snaps by leaning out the open windows, but they aren't the calendar quality panoramas you might be anticipating. Overall we'd say a visit here is over-priced, underwhelming, and completely skippable.

Average visiting time: 30mins.