Katownia, Gdańsk

Historic Building and Museum in Gdańsk

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Aneta Pawska

Katownia, or the Torture House, is one of the most atmospheric and historically significant buildings in Gdańsk's Main Town. Located at the start of Ulica Długa beside the Golden Gate, this fortified structure dates to the 15th century and originally formed part of the city's defensive foregate. By the 16th century, it had become the city's main prison and interrogation chamber, where authorities carried out judicial punishments and investigations under the legal practices of the time. Its red-brick Gothic-Renaissance architecture, turrets, and central tower make it a striking sight-and one of the best places to see in Katownia surroundings for travellers exploring Gdańsk's past.

Today, Katownia houses part of the Gdańsk Museum (Foregate Complex), offering an engaging and sobering insight into law enforcement, punishment, and judicial procedures from the medieval period through the early modern era. Its exhibitions blend architectural heritage with powerful storytelling, making it one of the top sights in Gdańsk for visitors seeking to understand the city's layered history.

History and Significance of Katownia
Things to See and Do in Katownia
How to Get to Katownia
Practical Tips on Visiting Katownia
Where to Stay close to Katownia
Is Katownia Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Katownia
Nearby Attractions to Katownia

History and Significance of Katownia (Torture House)

Katownia’s origins lie in the 15th-century foregate system that once protected the main entrance into Gdańsk’s Old Town. This gateway complex consisted of fortified towers, walls, and defensive passages designed to control and protect access along the Royal Route.

In the 16th century, the building took on a more judicial role. As Gdańsk expanded and formalised its legal institutions, Katownia became the official city prison and interrogation centre. While torture was legal and regulated under European judicial norms of the time, its use marked this site as a place of fear and authority for centuries. Prisoners were detained, questioned, and-when legally sanctioned-punished within its walls.

Over time, the defensive importance of the foregate diminished, but the building survived and was later restored, becoming a valuable architectural and historical asset.

Things to See and Do in Katownia

Visiting the Katownia is one of the things to do in Gdańsk that offers a deeper, more introspective look at the city's past. Highlights include:

• Original prison cells showing the harsh confinement conditions.
• A collection of medieval and early-modern torture instruments.
• Documents and artefacts revealing how justice operated under Hanseatic law.
• Exhibits on Gdańsk’s law enforcement and judicial history.
• The impressive Gothic-Renaissance exterior-ideal for photography.

This is one of the best places to visit in Katownia surroundings for those fascinated by judicial history, medieval architecture, or the darker side of urban life.

How to Get to Katownia (Torture House)

Most visitors arrive via Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport, followed by tram, bus, taxi, or rideshare 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 only 10-15 minutes on foot from the Katownia, or you may take a quick tram ride closer to the Golden Gate. 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.

If arriving by car, it is best to park in nearby public car parks and walk the short distance into the pedestrian areas of Ulica Długa. 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 Katownia

Suggested tips: Combine your visit with the Golden Gate and a stroll along the Royal Route.
Best time to visit: Weekdays or mornings for a quieter experience.
Entrance fee in Euros: Approximately €3-€6 (varies by exhibition).
Opening hours: Usually 10:00-17:00; check the museum website for seasonal variations.
Official website: Gdańsk Museum (Foregate Complex).
How long to spend: 30-60 minutes.
Accessibility: Some areas include stairs and may be difficult for mobility-impaired visitors.
Facilities: Cafés and restrooms available nearby on Ulica Długa.
Photography tip: Capture the façade from the Golden Gate side for the best perspective.
Guided tours: Available seasonally through the Gdańsk Museum.
Nearby food options: Numerous restaurants and cafés along Ulica Długa.

Where to Stay close to Katownia

Gdańsk Old Town offers excellent accommodation. Radisson Blu Hotel Gdańsk provides a stylish, central base. The contemporary PURO Gdańsk Stare Miasto is ideal for modern stays, while Hotel Podewils offers boutique elegance near the Motława River.

Is Katownia Worth Visiting?

Yes-Katownia is a compelling and worthwhile stop for visitors who want to understand Gdańsk's judicial history and its role within the medieval Hanseatic world. Its exhibitions provide context and depth, making it an engaging part of any Old Town itinerary.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (479)

Katownia, located at Targ Węglowy 26 in Gdańsk, is presented as a small museum covering the city's post‑war reconstruction alongside exhibits on prison history and historical torture devices; displays are signposted with English explanations, atmospheric audio enhances the experience, and a viewing tower/small upper windows offer views down the main street toward St. Mary's Church. Visitors note uneven, tall stairs and many spiral staircase steps, say it's informative and not usually crowded at quieter times, and mention card payment and English‑speaking staff.

Bianca W

4 months ago

"The torture museum has some interesting history of the city and how it handled crime. There's a nice route signposted throughout and most exhibitsare explained in English as well. There's also a viewing tower higher up witha really nice view down the main street towards the St. Mary's church. Stairs are very uneven and tall though, so it may be difficult to walk up and down them. Still, it's a decent little exhibit for an affordable ticket price...."

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Domi Nika

4 months ago

"Educative and interesting. We went at around 15:00 on a monday and it wasn’t too crowded. You can also see some remains of the cutlery, torturemachines and such. I liked the audio that was atmospheric and chilling...."

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Radek Dohnal

4 months ago

"There is a muzeum about history of the city after ii.world war (reconstruction of the city). Watch to the city from the top is from small windowsonly. A little bit confusing... Down, there is something about prison history of this place. You can pay by card, service is english speaking...."

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FAQs for Visiting Katownia (Torture House)

It contains mature themes; parental discretion is advised.

Yes-several authentic instruments are on display.

Yes, it was originally part of the fortified foregate.

Most visitors spend around 45 minutes.

Photography is usually permitted, except in some exhibition rooms.

Nearby Attractions to Katownia

Golden Gate: A ceremonial entry to the Royal Route.
Long Street (Ulica Długa): The city's grand historic promenade.
Gdańsk Town Hall: Gothic-Renaissance landmark with a tower view.
Artus Court: Home of Gdańsk's merchant brotherhoods.
Museum of Gdańsk branches along the Royal Route.

The Katownia appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Gdańsk!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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