Swan Tower

The Swan Tower, also known as Schwanturm, is a Gothic tower in Gdańsk, which marks the northernmost point of the medieval fortifications of the Main Town. Located at the Fish Market, overlooking the Motława River, it once played a key role in controlling the port and water routes. It was built on the foundations of the Fishermen's Tower, destroyed by the citizens of Gdańsk in 1454, and later rebuilt with a new defensive layout, taking the form of a brick cylinder with a distinctive conical roof. After losing its military significance, the tower was integrated into the surrounding tenement buildings, which altered its perception within the urban landscape. Like many structures in Gdańsk, the Swan Tower suffered damage during the war in 1945, but after its reconstruction in 1967, it gained a new function as the headquarters of the Polish Maritime Club. Nearby, in 2010, the construction of the Hilton Hotel contributed to the revitalization of the area. The tower is not only a valuable element of Gdańsk's cultural heritage but also a witness to its turbulent history and architectural changes. It is worth noting its unique architectural form and the fact that it now serves as an important landmark on the city's tourist map, located near the water tram stop, making it easily accessible to visitors.