Jordanka Tower at Wawel

The Jordan Tower, one of the four towers of the Royal Castle on Wawel Hill, was built in the 14th century and initially served a defensive purpose. Its architecture evolved over the centuries; between 1520 and 1533, it was extended in the Renaissance style, underscoring its historical significance. In 1860, the tower acquired a new Baroque spire, inspired by the spires of the towers of Sigismund III Vasa and John III Sobieski, highlighting its architectural and aesthetic importance within the Wawel complex. The interior of the tower also holds a fascinating history. The first floor houses the Italian Study, part of the Royal Private Apartments, reflecting its connection to royal culture and court life. Meanwhile, the room on the second floor once contained a now-vanished palace chapel, which currently serves no function—a detail that may spark interest in forgotten spaces within historic buildings. The ground floor remains unused, presenting potential opportunities for future cultural or exhibition projects. The Jordan Tower stands as a compelling example of the evolution of castle architecture, blending defensive elements with Renaissance and Baroque richness. This makes it a significant landmark on Kraków’s cultural map.