Market Tower in Elbląg

The 14th-century Market Tower, also known as the Market Gate, is the oldest and most distinctive structure in Elbląg. Once part of the town walls by the Old Market Square, today it combines a viewing terrace with a museum display, and next to it stands the monument of the Little Baker, hero of a local legend.

A symbol of the town's defence

According to the legend, rooted in the wars with the Teutonic Knights, the town was taken by surprise by a force of around 2,000 knights of the Order. Among the defenders, who pelted the attackers with stones and hot tar from the tower, was a young baker's apprentice. With his baker's peel he cut the ropes holding the iron portcullis. The grate came down, crushing the Teutonic commander and cutting the invaders off from the town, and for a long time the peel hung on the gate as a memento of that defence.

What you will find inside

After the renovation completed in 2006, an observation terrace with a panorama of the Old Town was created on the upper floors. Inside there is a museum exhibition on the history of Elbląg, a Knights' Hall, a small café and a souvenir shop. In 2006 a figure of the Little Baker was placed by the tower, a favourite photo spot for visitors.

Practical information

The tower stands on Wałowa Street, right next to the Old Market Square and the promenade. The exhibition is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00. Elbląg, founded in 1237 and granted town rights in 1246, is the oldest town in the Warmia-Masuria Voivodeship with around 112,000 residents. The St. Nicholas cathedral and the riverside are within a short walk, and the castle in Malbork lies 27 kilometres away.