Wawel Thief Tower, Gothic fortified tower at Wawel Castle in Kraków, Poland.
The Wawel Thief Tower is a Gothic fortified structure within the castle complex, built from stone with narrow window openings designed for medieval defense. The tower remains intact as part of the original fortification system that protected the castle grounds.
The tower was built during the 14th century as part of King Casimir the Great's major fortification efforts on Wawel Hill. It formed part of a larger defensive system designed to strengthen the castle against external threats.
The tower served as a functional space within the castle's daily operations and reflected the practical needs of medieval fortress life. Visitors can experience original medieval rooms and understand how such structures were actually used beyond their defensive purpose.
Access to the tower is available only through guided tours that run throughout the year at the castle complex. Planning ahead and checking the current tour schedule is recommended, as visitor access can vary depending on the season.
The tower is often overlooked despite containing original medieval stone elements and housing archaeological collections not shown in the main castle displays. These lesser-known artifacts provide a rare glimpse into everyday objects from different periods of the castle's history.
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