Mouse Tower, Gothic brick tower near Lake Gopło, Kruszwica, Poland
Mouse Tower stands as a Gothic brick structure on the shore of Lake Gopło and forms the most noticeable landmark in the Kruszwica area. Its square base of red brickwork supports thick defensive walls that taper upward through several levels, giving the tower its characteristic medieval profile.
Construction took place during the 14th century under King Kazimierz the Great as part of a larger castle complex by the lake. Swedish troops destroyed the surrounding compound in 1656, but the tower itself survived the fire and remained as the sole element of the former fortress.
The tower takes its name from a Polish tale about Prince Popiel II, who according to old stories was eaten by mice as punishment for his cruelty. This legend has turned the structure into a symbol of folklore and moral stories that connects visitors to early Polish narrative traditions.
Visitors reach the site via marked paths from central Kruszwica, and the climb to the top involves a narrow spiral staircase inside the structure. Guided tours run between April and October and provide explanations about the construction and the view over the lake and surrounding countryside.
Archaeological digs near the base uncovered early medieval settlement remains, including wooden huts with clay floors and numerous bronze objects. These finds show that the site was a busy hub centuries before the tower was built and that the area around the lake had long been inhabited.
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