Torture Chamber in Gdańsk

The Torture Chamber, also known as Peinkammertor, is a medieval fortification built in the second half of the 14th century as a defensive element of the Main Town in Gdańsk. Together with the Prison Tower, it formed a barbican complex on Long Street (ulica Długa). Individual elements of the Torture Chamber and its architecture, including the reconstruction carried out between 1593 and 1604 by Anton van Obberghen, enhance its historical value. Interior decorations, such as the famous headless jailer sculpture by Willem van der Meer, attract art enthusiasts. The Prison Tower, which reached its current dimensions thanks to Michał Enkinger between 1508 and 1509, played a key role in the medieval prison system. The function of the structure changed over the centuries; after the construction of modern fortifications, it began to serve as a torture chamber, courtroom, and prison. On the eastern side of the Prison Tower stood a pillory, which was the site of numerous executions, adding to the dramatic history of this place. Today, the Torture Chamber is part of the Gdańsk Museum, representing an important element of the region's cultural heritage and attracting tourists and history enthusiasts. With its rich architectural past and emotionally charged events, the Torture Chamber remains a fascinating part of Gdańsk's history and culture.