Leaning Tower of Toruń

The Leaning Tower of Toruń is a medieval city tower, located at 1 Pod Krzywą Wieżą Street, standing 15 meters tall with a deviation from the vertical of 146 cm. It was built in the first half of the 14th century as part of Toruń's defensive walls, but its strategic importance diminished with the development of artillery. The tower, originally consisting of three external walls, was used to hoist projectiles to the upper floor, but due to the shifting sandy ground, it began to lean as early as the 14th century. In the 18th century, the tower housed a women's prison, and in the 19th century, it was adapted for residential use. In later years, the Leaning Tower served various functions, including a pub in the 1950s and the headquarters of the Toruń Cultural Society in 1976. In 2008, a renovation was carried out, allowing the tower to be opened to tourists in 2018, and at the beginning of 2022, its façade, gallery, and roof were modernized. The Leaning Tower has also secured its place in culture, appearing in films such as "Kto nigdy nie żył…" directed by Andrzej Seweryn. Toruń legends tell the story of a Teutonic Knight who built the tower as penance for breaking his vow of chastity after having an affair with a merchant's daughter. To this day, a tradition persists where tourists lean their backs against the tower, believing that those with heavier sins cannot maintain balance in this position, further highlighting the unique charm of this place. Thus, the Leaning Tower is not only an interesting architectural structure but also an important element of local culture and tradition.