Domtrapphuset, Medieval tower in Uppsala, Sweden
Domtrapphuset is a brick tower that connects Domkyrkoplan with Fyristorg through an internal staircase and shows decorative brickwork and blind wall openings. The structure fits into the tight medieval street pattern while maintaining its distinctive irregular form in the cityscape.
Built around 1280 as part of the cathedral's defensive wall, the structure shaped the early development of the city. Following a major fire in 1702, the building underwent major reconstruction in the 1760s that transformed its character.
The building reflects the connection between the cathedral and university life in medieval Uppsala, serving the community through multiple uses. Its presence shaped how people moved through the city center and how the space between these two institutions functioned.
The building now contains residential apartments, office spaces, and a restaurant where visitors can stop in. Keep in mind the narrow staircase and compact layout when exploring, as the tight passages can feel a bit cramped.
Until 1833 the tower housed Prubban, a student prison where students served time for minor infractions. This unusual purpose reveals how the university once maintained its own disciplinary system within the city.
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