Swan Tower in Gdańsk, Gothic fortified tower near Straganiarska Gate in Gdańsk, Poland.
The Swan Tower is a Gothic fortified structure on the Motlawa River in Gdańsk, built with pointed arches and ribbed vaults typical of medieval defensive architecture. It stands directly at the harbor in Targ Rybny and once served as a control point for river traffic through the city.
The tower was built as part of the city's defensive system and underwent major reconstruction in 1454 after suffering damage during regional conflicts. This rebuilding allowed the city to maintain control of its river port and secure its trading position.
The tower reflects how medieval port cities organized their defenses around waterways, and its position made it a natural gathering point for merchants and sailors. Visitors can still sense this connection between old trade routes and the river's ongoing role in city life.
The best time to visit is during daytime when the harbor area is active and the tower's details are clearly visible. The location is easy to reach on foot since it sits at the waterfront and connects with other old town attractions.
The tower features decorative swan motifs woven into its Gothic design, a detail that gives it its name and blends craftsmanship with symbolic meaning. These artistic elements show that medieval builders integrated creative expression into practical defensive structures.
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