Leaning Tower of Toruń
Fortified tower in Toruń, Poland From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Fortified tower in Toruń, Poland From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Leaning Tower of Toruń is a medieval tower in Toruń, Poland. It is known as a leaning tower because the top of the tower is displaced 1.5 metres (4 ft 11 in) from where it would be if the tower were perfectly vertical. Located on Pod Krzywą Wieżą street, it is one of the most important landmarks in Toruń's Old Town. As part of the Medieval Town of Toruń it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Historic Monument of Poland.[1]
Leaning Tower of Toruń | |
---|---|
Krzywa Wieża w Toruniu | |
General information | |
Type | Fortified tower |
Architectural style | Gothic |
Town or city | Toruń |
Country | Poland |
Coordinates | 53°0′30.04″N 18°36′7.92″E |
Construction started | 13th century |
Renovated | 19th century |
Height | 15 meters |
Technical details | |
Material | Red brick |
The Leaning Tower of Toruń was built in the 13th century in order to defend the town. It was built of red brick. It started leaning because it was built on loamy ground.[2] In the 18th century it ceased to be used for defensive purposes. The tower was then converted into a women's prison. In the 19th century, it housed a blacksmith's shop and an apartment for a gunsmith. At this time, the Gothic tented roof was replaced by a pitched roof. A souvenir shop and a café used to be located in the tower in the 1970s and 80s, and now it houses the Toruń Cultural Department.[3]
Some legends are associated with the Leaning Tower of Toruń, which are narrated by tour guides to visitors:
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