Description of the attraction
Anchor Tower is a defensive structure located in the center of Gdansk. The anchor tower was built in 1361 to provide additional protection for the southern walls of the city. Gradually, the line of military fortifications of the city was moved, and the tower completely lost its military significance. In 1570, according to the project of the architect Paulus van der Horn, the reconstruction of the object began, the purpose of which was to build a prison for dangerous criminals. The work was carried out for five years. Executions took place in the tower, traces of which were found during the clearing of the Motława River, when many skeletons without skulls were raised from the bottom. After such a terrible discovery, the Anchor Tower began to grow overgrown with various rumors and mysterious legends.
Until the outbreak of World War II, the tower was used as a girls' shelter for several years. During the war years, the building was almost completely destroyed, reconstruction was carried out in 1968-1969. In 1975, the Anchor Tower housed the office of the Office of Research and Documentation of Antiquities of Gdańsk and the Surrounding Territories. Currently, a restoration workshop is located in the Anchor Tower.
