An eye catching sight, this historic structure is known by several nicknames, including Empire Tower, Bautzen Imperial Tower, and my personal favorite, The Leaning Tower of Bautzen. It can be found in Bautzen, Germany and it certainly earns its nickname, boasting a visible 1.44-meter slant that makes it an interesting structure. Located in the Kornmarkt (Grain Market) and bordering the Buttermarkt (Butter Market) on the eastern edge of Old Town, the Leaning Tower of Bautzen is a symbolic starting point for exploring this beautiful medieval city center. Built in 1490 as a defensive tower to protect the “alley of the rich,” it’s officially named the “Rich Tower” (Reichenturm).
While the original tower was constructed 535 years ago by Johann Christoph von Naumann, the current structure dates back to 1709, rebuilt after the great city fire, making it 316 years old. Over the centuries, the Leaning Tower of Bautzen has been damaged and rebuilt several times, with the most recent restoration completed in 2016.
Although the tower clearly leans, visitors can still climb to the top via a narrow, winding staircase. While the journey up isn’t exactly a breeze, it’s far from the most challenging medieval staircase I’ve encountered (that honor goes to the Powder Tower in Prague). However, those with disabilities or limited mobility may find the climb difficult. Nonetheless, my mother, despite having undergone a double knee replacement, made it all the way to the top, albeit just at a slower pace.
Admission to the top of the tower is €3 per adult, €2.50 for seniors and students, and €1.50 for children under 14. These tickets must be purchased inside a small room near the top, not at the base. Visitors must climb 118 steps before reaching the ticket booth. You can also browse and purchase memorabilia in this small room, including magnets and other souvenirs. Once you’ve bought your ticket, you’ll climb the final 17 steps (135 steps total), passing through a small trapdoor leading to the tower’s top viewing deck, much like a portal to medieval Europe.
The viewing deck at the top of the tower is surprisingly spacious. It offers panoramic views of the beautiful city of Bautzen, Germany, from four different vantage points. Standing there truly allows you to appreciate and understand the city’s rich history, transporting you back to medieval times as you gaze out over colorful rooftops, cobblestone streets, towering church spires, and various medieval towers. Beyond the city, you’re treated to the sight of rolling green hills that stretch across the surrounding German countryside. The least impressive view is to the east, which looks out over the more modernized section of the city. This includes a rather drab view of the contemporary Best Western hotel and the noisy main street, which is often busy with vehicle traffic.
Officially located at Reichenstraße 14, 02625 Bautzen, Germany, the Leaning Tower of Bautzen is open 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm, with the last admission at 4:30pm. Tickets are CASH ONLY.
Overall, this short blog is a shoutout to one of Bautzen’s most incredible sights – Germany’s own leaning tower. The Leaning Tower of Bautzen is a prominent and unmissable landmark if you’re exploring Old Town. If you stay at the Best Western and are lucky enough to get a room facing west, you might even glimpse the tower right from your hotel window (as we did). The hotel’s dining area also offers a stunning, up-close view of the tower, making for a lovely backdrop as you start your day with breakfast. If you ever visit the wonderful, beautiful, and historic city of Bautzen, Germany, you have to climb up the leaning tower!
