Katownia — Attraction in Gdansk

The Katownia in Gdańsk, also known as the Torture House, is a historic building that forms part of the city's medieval fortifications. Located adjacent to the Prison Tower (Wieża Więzienna), it constitutes the Foregate Complex (Zespół Przedbramia) of Długa Street, serving as a significant landmark in Gdańsk's Main Town.​

Historical Overview 14th Century Origins: Constructed in the second half of the 14th century, the Katownia was initially designed as a defensive structure to protect the main entrance to the city. ​

16th Century Transformation: Between 1593 and 1604, under the direction of Flemish architect Anthonis van Obbergen, the building underwent significant renovations. During this period, it was repurposed to house a torture chamber, courtrooms, and prison cells. The architectural enhancements included the addition of a richly decorated roof adorned with sculptures of city guards. ​

Architectural Features The Katownia exhibits a blend of Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. Notable features include:​

Elaborate Roofline: The roof is embellished with ornamental sculptures representing city guards, reflecting the building's historical function in law enforcement. ​

Structural Layout: The building comprises multiple levels, with the ground floor historically serving as the executioner's residence, upper floors containing prison cells, and the top floor housing courtrooms. ​

Post-War Restoration and Current Use Severely damaged during World War II, the Katownia underwent extensive restoration efforts in the subsequent decades. By the 1970s, it became part of the Historical Museum of the City of Gdańsk. From 2006 until 2021, it housed the Amber Museum. Following the museum's relocation, the building now hosts the Museum of Gdańsk Reconstruction, offering visitors insights into the city's post-war...

The Prison Tower is yet another wonderful evocative tower that is just a joy to go and visit. Originally built in the 14th century as part of the city fortification defences it was remodeled between 1593 and 1604 with the smaller building became a torture chamber and the larger building became a prison. Extensively destroyed during WW2 and rebuilt post war ,this tower now makes for some great photographic opportunities and looks amazing. Easy to locate on Targ Weglowy in an area of outstandingly beautiful architecture and a major tourist destination. Well worth...

Gothic fore gate complex built in the14th century consisting of two historic buildings. The smaller the of the two buildings housed a torture chamber and Courthouse. The larger tower was the prison. Executions were carried out here until the middle of the 19th century. #letsguide, #poland, #gdansk, #visitgdansk, #oldtown, #royalroute, #touristattraction, #landmark, #museum, #gothic, #gothicarchitecture #prisontower, #tower, #gate, #courthouse, #torturechamber, #amber,...