Sandomierska Tower
Hours and Tickets
open until October 29
22 Apr. - 29 Oct.
IX, X : Sat., Sun., Mon.
10:30 am–6 pm
Oct. 29 X
10:30 am–5 pm
last entry:
30 min before closing
admission:
22 Apr. - 29 Oct.
regular 5 PLN, reduced 2 PLN
online: +1 PLN
PLEASE NOTE
Visiting the tower requires climbing 137 steps. Children under age 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Sandomierska Tower
One of the Wawel Castle’s three artillery towers. It was built in about 1460, during the reign of Casimir IV Jagiellon, to strengthen the defenses of the royal residence against attack from the most vulnerable, southern side.
Sandomierska Tower
Sandomierska Tower
In peacetime, towers such as this one were often used as prisons. Indeed, confinement in the higher stories was regarded as “honorable punishment” and was reserved for the nobility. Common criminals were held in dungeons.
Sandomierska Tower
Sandomierska Tower
The third floor may have served either as guards’ quarters or as a prison for persons of high social standing. Certain architectural elements, such as an ornamental entrance portal, glazed windows, and a large chimney shaft that would have been connected to a tile stove point to its onetime function as lodgings.
Sandomierska Tower
Sandomierska Tower
The top of the tower offers views of Cracow and the surrounding countryside.
Sandomierska Tower