Jacek Tower, Gdańsk

Tower in Gdańsk

Jacek Tower
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Barbara Maliszewska

The Jacek Tower, or Baszta Jacek, is one of the top sights in Gdańsk for travellers interested in the city's medieval fortification system. Built in the 15th century and named after Saint Hyacinth (Święty Jacek), the tower stands as one of the tallest surviving defensive structures from the city's Gothic era. Its cylindrical form, red-brick construction, and imposing vertical presence made it an essential lookout and artillery point guarding the northern perimeter of the medieval city.

Today, Baszta Jacek is often visited on walking tours of Gdańsk, admired from the outside as part of the heritage trail along the old fortifications. Although the interior is not open to the public, its scale and robust character offer a vivid reminder of the strength and strategic importance of the city's former defences.

History and Significance of the Jacek Tower (Baszta Jacek)

Constructed in the 15th century at a time when Gdańsk was expanding and reinforcing its walls, the Jacek Tower played a key role in the city's defensive strategy. Positioned on the northern side of the fortifications, it allowed guards to monitor the surrounding fields and roads for approaching threats.

Its massive brick cylinder made it ideal for housing artillery and protecting troops. Over the centuries, the tower was periodically adapted to suit new military technologies, though its main purpose—strengthening the city’s outer ring of defences—remained consistent. While much of the medieval wall system was dismantled or destroyed in later centuries, Baszta Jacek survived as one of its most striking remnants.

Things to See and Do in the Jacek Tower

Exploring the Jacek Tower is one of the things to do in Gdańsk that connects visitors to the city's martial past. While you cannot enter the tower, the exterior itself provides much to admire:

• Impressive Gothic brickwork built to withstand siege warfare.
• Its tall, cylindrical silhouette—unique among the city’s surviving towers.
• Excellent photo angles along the remnants of Gdańsk’s northern wall.
• Proximity to other defensive structures, making it ideal for a combined heritage walk.

This spot is one of the best places to see in Jacek Tower surroundings the scale and sophistication of Gdańsk's once formidable city walls.

How to Get to the Jacek Tower (Baszta Jacek)

Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport provides easy international access, followed by buses, taxis, or ride-hailing services into the Old Town. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Gdańsk on Booking.com.

Gdańsk Główny railway station is within walking distance of the tower, or visitors may take a tram toward the northern Old Town area before walking the final stretch. You can easily check schedules and book tickets through the PKP Intercity website. However, for a smoother experience, we recommend using Omio, which simplifies the booking process and lets you compare prices and schedules all in one place.

Arriving by car is possible, but parking is best done in nearby public lots before continuing on foot along the medieval fortification route. If you are looking to rent a car in Poland I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Jacek Tower

  • Suggested tips: Pair your visit with the Straw Tower and other nearby fortifications.
  • Best time to visit: Spring to autumn for comfortable outdoor exploration.
  • Entrance fee in Euros: Free (exterior viewing only).
  • Opening hours: Always visible from the outside.
  • Official website: Refer to the Gdańsk tourism website for heritage route information.
  • How long to spend: 10–20 minutes.
  • Accessibility: Nearby pavements are mostly level; some sections may be uneven.
  • Facilities: Restaurants, cafés, and restrooms available within a short walk.
  • Photography tip: Capture the tower’s full height from the adjacent street for the most dramatic effect.
  • Guided tours: Featured on many medieval-city-wall walking tours.
  • Nearby food options: Several cafés and eateries around the Old Town.

Where to Stay close to the Jacek Tower

The Old Town offers a range of excellent accommodation options. Radisson Blu Hotel Gdańsk situates you within easy walking distance of historic sites. For a stylish contemporary base, PURO Gdańsk Stare Miasto is ideal. For boutique character, Hotel Podewils provides riverside charm close to major attractions.

Is the Jacek Tower Worth Visiting?

Yes—Baszta Jacek is worth visiting for anyone interested in medieval architecture, Gdańsk’s fortifications, or Gothic military design. Even from the outside, it is a striking and atmospheric reminder of the city’s defensive past.

FAQs for Visiting the Jacek Tower

Can you go inside the tower?
No, the tower is not open to the public.

Is it easy to find?
Yes—its tall cylindrical shape makes it easy to spot along the northern Old Town.

Does it take long to visit?
No, a short stop is plenty unless exploring other towers nearby.

Is it part of a heritage route?
Yes, many walking tours include it as a key stop.

Is it good for photography?
Definitely—its Gothic silhouette is very photogenic.

Nearby Attractions to the Jacek Tower

  • Straw Tower (Baszta Słomiana): Another surviving section of the city's medieval walls.
  • Great Armoury: A Dutch Mannerist gem close to the defensive route.
  • Gdańsk Town Hall: Gothic-Renaissance landmark with a viewing tower.
  • St. Mary's Church: One of the world's largest brick basilicas.
  • Market Hall: Neo-Gothic market with medieval ruins beneath.

The Jacek Tower appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Gdańsk!

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Visiting Jacek Tower

Address: Baszta Jacek, Pańska, Gdańsk, Poland
Gdańsk: 0 km

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