Corner Tower

The Corner Tower, also known as Eckturm am Stadthof, is the oldest preserved tower in the medieval fortification system of Gdańsk. Its history dates back to 1343, when the cornerstone for the city walls of the Main Town was laid. The tower was built to strengthen the southwestern section of the city walls. Originally, it took the form of a rectangular projection of the walls, with a brick structure open on the city side. Over the years, it underwent numerous renovations, reinforcements, and was adorned with architectural elements such as pointed-arch niches and arrow slits. On the upper floors, it assumed a pentagonal shape, crowned by a steep multi-gabled roof. Between 1856 and 1857, the tower was converted into a fire station, which significantly impacted its architecture. Unfortunately, due to the destruction in 1945, when the roof, part of the wall, and the interior of the tower were destroyed, the structure required rebuilding. Ultimately, in the late 1950s and early 1960s, it was reconstructed and adapted to serve as the Scout House. The Corner Tower is not only a valuable element of Gdańsk's architectural heritage but also an important cultural site, providing a space for scouting activities. An interesting fact is that it neighbors the Schultz Tower, forming an integral defensive complex that reflects Gdańsk's centuries-old history as a city with a rich military and cultural legacy.